Hum Honge Kaamyaab.. [ More Photographs | More Videos ]

Women's cricket in India has seen quite a few ups and downs. However at the present time, the popularity ratings have not been very high. To change this scenario and to promote the game among the younger generation, and also to boost the morale of the Indian team taking part in the World Cup to be held in New Zealand from November 28, CricInfo organised a "Good Luck" rally in Chandigarh, which is also known as "The City Beautiful" on October 24. The rally was aptly named as "Hum Honge Kaamyaab" which is "we shall be victorious" in Hindi.

Nearly 1000 school children participated in the rally. Students predominantly in the age group of 13-16 assembled at the DAV Sr. Sec. School, Sector 8, Chandigarh. It was an overwhelming sight to witness the large number of children assembled in rows of twos, dressed in neat uniforms and adorning CricInfo caps. They also carried banners such as "Good Luck India", "1983 - Action Replay Mangta hai", asking for a repeat of the 1983 triumph of the Indian men's team and "Abki ki Baari, Cup Hamaari", which means "this time the Cup is ours".

The Mayor of Chandigarh, Shanta Abilashini, flagged off the rally. The march was led by the impressive school band of DAV Public school, followed by the cricketers of the city and then the school children. All along the way, the band played the `Hum Honge Kaamyaab' tune, which is also a popular patriotic number, and other such songs that would instill patriotism and a spirit of oneness among the audience. The march was for a distance of nearly two kilometers and concluded at the Sukna lake. A special podium was erected at this venue with the message "One Billion People - One Dream". The Indian women's cricket team was present to welcome the children.

The huge banner of "Hum Honge Kaamyaab" to wish the team good luck was displayed at the venue and was signed enthusiastically by the children, the media, as well as other dignitaries. Among the celebrities who signed the banner were Sampath Singh, the Haryana Finance Minister, who was also the chief guest, Padmashri Nek Chand, the creator of the world famous Rock Garden and the guest of honour, IS Bindra, former president of the BCCI and Desh Prem Azad, renowned cricket coach. This banner was later presented to the Indian team, which they would carry with them to New Zealand.

The event began with a welcome address to all the dignitaries. The Indian team was then called on stage to introduce them to the audience and members of the squad were presented with mementos from CricInfo by Sampath Singh. The minister in his speech complemented CricInfo on its efforts to promote women's cricket in the country and also announced an amount of Rs one lakh to the Indian team. Nek Chand and other dignitaries then presented the "Hum Honge Kaamyaab" banner to the Indian team amidst a huge cheer from the audience and releasing of balloons. It was an exhilarating experience not only for the Indian team but also to the audience as they constantly shouted slogans anticipating an Indian win in the World Cup.

There was also a lucky draw competition for the kids to participate in which the children had to fill a coupon with their name, class, school and a good luck message for the Indian team. Desh Prem Azad picked out 12 winners from the raffle and they were presented with exciting prizes from CricInfo. The captain of the Indian team Anju Jain expressed her gratitude and assured the audience that they would return with the World Cup. The event concluded with a vote of thanks on behalf of CricInfo, followed by the National Anthem.

Video Highlights

The schoolchildren's rally is flagged off [Video]
A lucky draw being carried out to award prizes [Video]
The Indian team is introduced to the audience [Video]
The CricInfo banner with best wishes is presented to the Indian team [Video]
Haryana Minister Sampath Singh making a speech on the occasion [Video]

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