A proud Shyam Bhatia welcomes Japan Under-19 cricketers with Cricket for Care caps and T-shirts

By K.R. Nayar

The Japan Under-19 cricket team is currently in the UAE to participate in the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 50-over tournament, scheduled to be held in Dubai and Sharjah from November 29 to December 8.  There was a time when people doubted whether Japan would ever play cricket. During that period, UAE-based businessman and cricket enthusiast Shyam Bhatia envisioned a future where Japan would compete at the international level. Acting on his belief, he distributed 250 cricket kits through his Cricket for Care charity.

 

The Japan Under 19 team with Shyam Bhatia at the G Force Cricket Academy Bhatia Cricket For Care ground.

In 2011, after Japan was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, Bhatia arranged for more cricket equipment, aiming to bring smiles to the faces of affected children. This gesture led the Japanese Cricket Association to launch the Cricket for Smiles program. Known for their dedication, the Japanese embraced cricket with enthusiasm. In 2020, their hard work paid off when Japan won the ICC qualifiers and participated in the Under-19 World Cup.

 

Expressing his admiration for Japanese cricket, Bhatia said: “I love the enthusiasm with which they play the game.” Today, he has immense pride in Japan's cricketing achievements.

 

Shyaam Bhaita presents the Cricket for Care cap and T-shirt to Japan cricket team captain Koji Hardgrave-Abe  

On November 25, 2024, when Japan arrived for the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 50 over tournament practice session, a proud Bhatia was there to receive them. Japan opted to train at the G Force Cricket Academy Bhatia’s Cricket For Care ground in Jadaf. They knew that the venue was run by two ardent lovers of the game – cricket coach Gopal Jasapara and Bhatia.  Soon after the warm up, Bhatia addressed the Japanese team and presented them with Cricket for Care caps and T-shirts.

 

Cricket enthusiasts (from left) Dr Yogesh Dave, Shyam Bhatia, Deeraj Jogani and coach Gopal  Jasapara 

“You have all worked hard and I feel proud of you. Working hard with your coach, you have done better than expected. Enjoy the sunshine in the UAE and bring smiles on to your faces,” said Bhatia referring to how far they had travelled, starting from their Cricket for Smile programme. The capping event was attended by cricket enthusiasts Deeraj Jogani from Gujarat Cricket Association and Dr Yogesh Dave, Lions Governor, and Owner of the Gwalia Restaurant in Karama.

 

Shyam Bhatia lauds Japan team coach Ardene Ruhode's efforts and presents the cap 

Japan’s coach, Ardene Ruhode, expressed his gratitude to Bhatia, saying: “We wouldn’t be where we are without your support. We hope to entertain everyone by giving our best.” 


Shyam Bhatia presents the cap and T-shirt to one of  the Japan team player 


It was inspiring to see the Japanese team train diligently at the refurbished floodlit G Force Academy ground, equipped with four practice wickets, including two turf wickets and two bowling machines. Japan will face the UAE in their opening match on November 30 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, followed by a match against India on December 2 at the same venue. On December 4, they will play against Pakistan in Dubai.

 

Shyam Bhatia addresses the Japan team

Bhatia has also been instrumental in encouraging Japan’s women’s cricket. Shizuka Miyaji, the first professional cricketer from Japan to play in the FairBreak T20 International, got her initial experience using kits provided by Bhatia. Naoki Alex Miyaji, CEO of Japan Cricket, had once stated: “Shyam has been a great supporter of cricket in Japan, and his efforts have inspired many young players to take up the game.”

When Japan won the ICC qualifier to participate in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup  

Speaking to krbuzz.blogspot.com, Japan’s coach Ardene Ruhode said: “It is always exciting to come back to the G Force Cricket Academy and train. We qualified for this tournament through the ACC Premier Cup, and we are also aiming to qualify for two Asia Cup events next year. This is an exciting group. Some players are in their last Under-19 tournament, bringing valuable experience, while a few others are making their debut. This tournament will help us prepare for the Under-19 World Cup qualifiers in Japan next year, where we aim to qualify for the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.”

 

The Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 50 over tournament 

The Japanese squad is made up of:

Koji Hardgrave-Abe (Captain), Charles Hinze, Kazuma Kato-Stafford, Hugo Tani-Kelly, Timothy Moore, Skyler Nakayama-Cook, Daniel Panckhurst, Nihar Parmar, Aditya Phadke, Aarav Tiwari,  Kai Wall, Yuto Yageta, Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake, and Max Yonekawa-Lynn.

Coach: Ardene Ruhode, Team Manager: Jarrad Shearer

 

Comments

  1. Mohamed LokhandwalaNovember 25, 2024 at 9:53 PM

    Well done Shyam Bhai, Gopal Jasapara and good write up as always KR Nayar !

    ReplyDelete

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