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The friendly cricket match between the Lok Sabha Speaker XI and the Rajya Sabha Chairman XI, held on December 15th, 2024 in New Delhi, served as a unique platform to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB). The event, more than just a game, showcased the collaborative spirit of Indian parliamentarians in addressing a significant public health concern. The Lok Sabha team, spearheaded by their impressive performance, emerged victorious, securing a decisive 73-run win against their Rajya Sabha counterparts. This resounding victory highlighted not only the athletic prowess of the participating MPs, but also underscored the importance of collective action in combating the pervasive issue of TB in India.
Anurag Singh Thakur, BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh, stole the show with his exceptional batting performance. His unbeaten 111 runs from just 59 balls earned him the well-deserved 'Man of the Match' award. His innings was instrumental in setting a challenging target of 251 runs for the Rajya Sabha team. This performance not only demonstrated his individual skill but also inspired his teammates and contributed significantly to the Lok Sabha's triumph. While the focus remained on raising awareness for TB, the competitive spirit of the match was undeniable, making for a thrilling spectacle for all who attended.
The Rajya Sabha team, despite putting up a valiant fight, fell short of the target, managing only 178 runs while losing eight wickets. Former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin displayed his class, scoring 74 runs off 42 balls, a performance that earned him the 'Best Batsman' award. His contribution, along with other notable performances, showcased the high level of talent amongst the participating parliamentarians. The match also saw impressive performances in other areas, with Lok Sabha MPs Deepender Hooda and Nishikant Dubey being recognized for their outstanding bowling and fielding skills respectively. The inclusion of awards like the 'Super Six' prize (awarded to K. Sudhakar) and the 'Super Catch' Award (to Manoj Tiwari), along with the humorous ‘Golden Duck’ prize, added to the lighthearted yet purposeful atmosphere of the event.
Beyond the on-field action, the event was a resounding success in achieving its primary goal: raising awareness about TB. The presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who inaugurated the match, and Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, who presented the awards, highlighted the importance that the government places on tackling the disease. Mr. Birla's congratulatory message to the organiser, Mr. Thakur, emphasized the significance of collective efforts in eradicating TB from India. The event brought together parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, demonstrating a united front in the fight against a common enemy: a disease that affects millions of people across the nation. The success of this initiative paves the way for similar future events, combining sporting competition with social responsibility.
The friendly cricket match transcended the boundaries of a mere sporting event; it became a powerful platform for raising awareness of a critical public health issue. By uniting parliamentarians from diverse backgrounds and showcasing their athleticism, the event successfully garnered significant attention and promoted a crucial message. The match's success should serve as an inspiration for similar future initiatives aimed at leveraging popular events to raise public awareness about important social causes. The impressive turnout and the positive response from the participants and the public demonstrate the potential of sports to be a powerful tool for social change and public health advocacy. Ultimately, the match serves as a reminder that even seemingly disparate fields, such as sports and politics, can come together to tackle pressing societal challenges.
Source: Lok Sabha defeats Rajya Sabha in cricket match; man of the match, best batsman awards given