Gordhandas Shield & Khichadia-Khar Gymkhana U-16 Tournaments: Celebrating Future Cricketing Heroes

Mumbai, August 2, 2025 — The annual prize distribution ceremony for the Seth Gordhandas Karsondas Challenge Shield and the Bhagubhai Khichadia-Khar Gymkhana Cricket Tournament was held on Saturday at Khar Gymkhana. Both U-16 school-level tournaments have long been known for producing top cricketing talent for Mumbai and India, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint.

In the Bhagubhai Khichadia-Khar Gymkhana Tournament, Swami Vivekanand International School, Borivali emerged as champions, defeating Parle Tilak Vidyalaya (English Medium) in the final. All players were rewarded with a set of T-shirts and trousers for their spirited performances. Individual brilliance was also recognized, with Rs. 3000 cash prizes and trophies awarded for Best Batsman, Best Bowler, and Best Allrounder of the tournament. Additionally, players scoring 100+ runs or taking 5-wicket hauls received separate performance prizes.

A standout performer was Yash Dusi, who was named Best Batsman of the Tournament. Representing the champion side, Yash played a key role in Swami Vivekanand’s success, showcasing temperament and class beyond his years.

The Seth Gordhandas Karsondas Challenge Shield Tournament saw Gaud Union Sports Club take home the winner’s cheque of Rs. 50,000, while Ours CC, Virar finished runners-up with Rs. 30,000. The individual awards in this tournament carried even greater value with the Best Batsman, Bowler, and Allrounder each receiving a trophy, Rs. 5000 from Khar Gymkhana, and an additional Rs. 5000 from Shri Kulin Asher. The Best Bowler was further honoured with a special Rs. 5000 prize in memory of Late Shri Chhotubhai Chandarana.

Additional batting and bowling prizes of Rs. 3000 each were also handed out for top individual performances.

A moving highlight this year was the presentation of six special awards  Best Batsman, Bowler, and Allrounder by the families of past Khar Gymkhana cricketers. These included tributes from the families of Shri Abdul Ismail, Shri Ranjan Baindoor, Shri Bharat Kunderan, Shri Prakash Vagal, Shri Harendra Upadhyay, Shri Surya Baindoor, Shri Nitin Shirodkar, Shri Ajay Divecha, and Shri Arun Wagh honouring their legacy and inspiring the next generation.

The function also paid tribute to Shri Iqbal Bhabha, who has served these tournaments selflessly for decades alongside the late Shri Chhotubhai Chandarana. He was presented with a Silver Plaque in recognition of his unmatched dedication.

Several dignitaries graced the occasion, including MCA President Shri Ajinkya Naik, Hon. Secretary Shri Abhay Hadap, Joint Secretary Shri Deepak Patil, Treasurer Shri Armaan Mallick, and other members of the MCA Apex Council. Also present were former India cricketers Ms. Diana Eduljee and Shri Karsan Ghavri, alongside the Khar Gymkhana office bearers.

Ajinkya Naik shared how he personally visited Khar Gymkhana in 2022–23 and revived the tournaments after a five-year hiatus due to changes in MCA regulations. He also entertained the audience with stories and anecdotes from the past.

Khar Gymkhana President Gaurav Kapadia reminisced about his own cricketing days and the legacy of Khar Gym’s iconic players. He also appealed to MCA for ideas on how to keep cricket training active during the monsoons.

Former India pacer Karsan Ghavri spoke warmly about his connection with Khar Gymkhana and his experiences representing Saurashtra in Ranji matches against Mumbai.

This year, the semi-finals of the Gordhandas Tournament were hosted at the prestigious MCA-BKC Ground for the first time, giving young cricketers the opportunity to play at a top-level venue  a fact appreciated by Paresh Chandarana during his speech.

Both tournaments were smoothly conducted by Shri Uday Tank, Shri Paresh Chandarana, and Shri Mayank Khichadia, with critical support from the Khar Gym Cricket Committee. Guidance also came from stalwarts like Shri Iqbal Bhabha, Shri Sanjay Mody (Vijay), Shri Vivek (Polly) Devnani, and Shri Jay Kosambia.