DDA clinches title defeating Corporation

 YAMUNA TROPHY GRAND FINALE 

DDA clinches title defeating Corporation

SYED WAJID
sufijorno@gmail.com

The 10th edition of Yamuna Trophy witnessed an electrifying final match between the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) XI and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) XI at the Yamuna Sports Complex, East Delhi. Dr. Rashmi Singh (IAS) Chief Resident Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir tossed the coin to initiate the event. The DDA team captained by Dr. Yogesh Tyagi won the toss and invited the MCD squad led by Ajay Nagpal to bat first.

The decision to bowl first helped DDA contain the rivals to the meagre total of 114 in 19.5 overs on the flat batting track.

DDA opened the innings with spectacular boundaries and  chased down the target comfortably in just 12.3 overs, thus securing the championship title.

Ravindra Meena stole the show with a stellar all-round display, scoring 63 runs off 34 balls, smashing five boundaries and four sixes. He also took three wickets for just 15 runs in his four-over spell, earning him the "Man of the Match" award. Vikas Mehla was named "Best Bowler" for his impressive spell of 4 overs, conceding just 15 runs while taking three wickets.

A Decade-Long Wait Ends for DDA

With this victory, DDA XI lifted the Yamuna Trophy for the first time in the tournament’s 10-year old history. DDA Vice Chairman Vijay K. Singh was present throughout the match, and kept motivating his team. He placed great emphasis on the importance of environmental awareness and urged everyone to contribute towards preserving nature.

Dr. Rashmi Singh highlighted the role of sports in promoting environmental consciousness and fitness among officials. The award ceremony registered prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Sandeep Bansal (Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital), Dr. Subhash Giri, District Judge Pankaj Sharma, Seva Bharti Delhi President Ramesh Aggarwal, Joint Secretary (Government of India) Dr. Atya Nand, Ayush XI Captain Dr. Vishal Chaddha, senior social worker Padam Chand Aggarwal, and veteran politico, Delhi State BJP President, Secretary General Archery Association Virendra Sachdeva.

Congratulating the winners, Sachdeva remarked, "For the first time in 10 years, DDA has claimed the trophy. Their responsibility now extends beyond cricket—to raising awareness about the Yamuna River and environmental conservation."

The Yamuna Trophy is being organized by the Indian Media Welfare Association (IMWA) and IDHC Society. IMWA President Rajiv Nishana emphasized that a clean environment can only be achieved through awareness among both citizens and officials.

With this milestone victory, DDA XI once underdog, emerged victorious; they not only etched their name in the tournament’s history but also reinforced the message of environmental stewardship through sports.

Umpires Prakash and Vishnu Kumar officiated the match and seasoned scribe Sufi remained live with a ball to ball commentary to the spectators watching this final in the stadium.