XLRI Jamshedpur Hosts “Play for a Cause” Cricket Tournament, Combining Sports with Social Responsibility

XLRI Jamshedpur has inaugurated the Fr. Enright Memorial Cricket Tournament, titled “Play for a Cause,” to honor its founding director, Fr. Quinn Enright, S.J. The event began on December 21 with an aim to merge cricket with social responsibility, fostering inclusivity and community spirit.

The tournament was officially inaugurated by Sachidanand Mishra, Second Command Officer of the 106 Battalion RAF, alongside Fr. S. George, S.J., Director of XLRI, and Fr. Donald D’Silva, Dean of Administration and Finance. During the opening ceremony, Mishra presented shoes and caps to the participants, emphasizing the event’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities.

This unique tournament features 10 teams, including XLRI alumni, faculty, staff, research scholars, security personnel, outsourced staff, regular vendors, and representatives from the Tata Steel Foundation. Spanning 26 matches, the tournament will culminate in the finals on February 1, 2025. It is not just a cricketing competition but a platform to promote inclusivity, community building, and social responsibility.

The opening day witnessed two exciting matches. In the first match, Vintage Warriors (DTDC) defeated Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) by 125 runs, with Vikas Yadav earning the “Man of the Match” title for his stellar performance of 68 runs off 30 balls and taking 4 wickets in 3 overs. The second match saw Loyola Alumni Association triumph over XL Alums by 3 wickets. Utkarsh of Loyola Alumni Association shone brightly with a remarkable 81 runs off 33 balls, securing the “Man of the Match” award.

Speaking at the event, Fr. Donald D’Silva, S.J., the tournament’s convenor, emphasized the significance of the initiative. “This is the first time in XLRI’s 75-year history that we are hosting a cricket tournament. The values we instill in our students must extend to uplifting the less privileged. Cricket has the unique power to unite people and build healthy communities. Through this event, we aim to spread true happiness by positively impacting lives.”

The tournament embodies XLRI’s commitment to blending sports with meaningful social impact, setting a benchmark for inclusive and charitable endeavors.