The Maiden National Level Cricket Match in the optical world saw competing opticians emerge as clear winners at the keenly played match day on November 23, 2023, at the Loknete Gopinath Munde Shakti Ground, Dahisar West, Mumbai.
The six teams Opti Chargers, Sun Shiners, Clear Punches, Ahmedabad Hitters, Vision Riders, and Eterna were equally competent, and together, they created Optical Cricketing Industry history.
The Final Match was staged between Team “Sun Shiners” captained by Neel Kadam & “Eterna” captained by Hitesh Ranawat. The exciting finish saw Sun Shiners lift the trophy! Neel Kadam of Sun Shiners shone as Man of the Series as well as Best Batsman; Satyan Machhi of Eterna won the Best Bowler Award, Manoj Polekar of Sunshiners won the Man of the Match – Finals; and Sandip Machhi of Eterna won the Man of the Match – Semi-finals.
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HITESH RANAWAT, ETERNA – RUNNER UP
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NEEL KADAM, SUN SHINERS – MAN OF THE SERIES
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NEEL KADAM, SUN SHINERS – BEST BATSMAN
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SATYAN MACHHI, ETERNA – BEST BOWLER
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MANOJ POLEKAR, SUN SHINERS – MAN OF THE MATCH
Let’s see what some of them say:
Hemant Shah, Prime Optics, Goregaon, Mumbai is eagerly awaiting VPL 2. 0, 3.0, 4.0, etc. he says. “Everything was awesome, there was no place for error whatsoever. Be it the stadium, the screen, the umpires, the teams, the food, the presentation and so on. And the players were great! They made the tournament amazing! Hope to see the next season soon.”
Neel Kadam, Captain of Sun Shiners, the Winning Team, says: “The energy, optimism, and meticulous planning by the organizing team made it unforgettable. It was an electrifying atmosphere at the venue. We all were charged up and motivated by the Anchor and the Commentator. The ground conditions and arrangements required for organising such an event were well taken care of and no stone was left unturned in making this a Big Hit. I am privileged that my efforts were well appreciated by presenting me with the Man of the Match award along with Best Batsman and Player of the Tournament. It was a great day for me and I’ll cherish these moments for many years to come!”
Hitesh Ranawat, Captain of Eterna, says: “We are very thankful about the well-organised tournament by Bank of Baroda and VisionPlus magazine, and for giving us the opportunity to play on such a big scale. The management was very good and supportive. We would like to play every single season they organise in the future!”
Sandip Machhi of Eterna was excited, ‘“What a good organisation, and what a great ground it was! It inspired me to give my best in my game! Thank you all!”
Prabodh Gangar of Gangar Eye Nation was delighted: “On behalf of Gangar Eye Nation and all the participants of the Bank of Baroda Credit Card VisionPlus Premier League 2023, I take this opportunity to thank the VisionPlus team for creating a great atmosphere for us members of the Optical Industry to play cricket and interact with each other. The venue, the live LED Screen also showing timely replays and slow motion, the food, the branded outfits, warm greetings, the Trophies and the Prize money all added up to a great day of Cricket. Looking forward to another season of great camaraderie. Hatos off to Hemant Shah for being such a catalyst!”
Jignesh Mehta, of Opti-Chargers, says “I am incredibly honoured to play with such wonderful teams. It was a testament to the talent and potential that the opticians have. Thanks a lot, organisers, for this momentous occasion. Awaiting many more great events in the future.”
Rahul Sahai – National Sales Head, Bank of Baroda Credit Card, was very happy. He says, “It was a first for us, partnering with this industry. Our MD Mr. Shailendra Singh was very keen on the partnership. I was overwhelmed by the game! I wish I had been able to play too. It was a great opportunity for my team to witness such a magnificent tournament!”
Indeed an event of this magnitude needed the support of Industry stalwarts – Mr Harish Gajjar, of Gajjar group, added the impetus required. As a cricket enthusiast, a badminton enthusiast and a biker, his effervescent encouragement was timely.
Bank of Baroda Credit Card was the perfect partner who readily took on the Title partnership and with its credit card particularly Eterna, providing numerous facilities for a Corporate Entity, the partnership was in mutual interest and we are hopeful that our optical Industry will surely avail of the facilities provided by Bank of Baroda Credit Card.
The wide vistas, saw the winners being felicitated by Mr. Siraj Bolar, Founder of FourPlus Media who created and owns the VPL Premier League franchise. Mr. Tabrez Bolar, Mr Nicholson MP, Mr Rahul Sahai – National Sales Head of Bank of Baroda Credit Card, among others, presented the awards.
FourPlus Media conceived the VPL and M P Nicholson helmed the initiative of promoting our national passion for cricket, in conjunction with the professional optical industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Siraj Bolar, Founder – FourPlus Media spoke briefly of the long association VisionPlus has had with the opticians industry, not only in India but worldwide.
The VisionPlus Premier League 2023 Awards Ceremony was a fitting tribute to not just the Winners of the Matches, but to the Spirit of Sport as well!
