Tung Chung Fivers cricket tournament, an inspirational story!
If there’s one thing that unites Indians across the globe, it’s CRICKET!!. The roar of the bat hitting the ball, the thrill of a wicket, the camaraderie among teammates—cricket truly is more than a sport; it’s an emotion. Here in Tung Chung, we’re no exception. Over the years, our passion for this game has blossomed into something extraordinary—a tradition that brings our community together, week after week.
It all began in 2017. A small group of friends, (to name a few Vijay, Vipul, Sharad, Nitin, Abhishek)newly settled in Tung Chung, decided to play a little cricket to relive fond memories of home. Back then, matches were sporadic, played more for fun than anything else. Life was busy, and the group was still forming—momentum was hard to find. Then came the long pause of the pandemic, which made it even harder to bring everyone back together.
But in 2024, after India’s inspiring T20 World Cup victory, something shifted. That win reignited our passion and gave us the motivation to turn those occasional games into a regular affair. From booking the cricket ground once a month to now playing almost every week, cricket has become a vital part of our lives. What started as a casual pastime has evolved into a cherished ritual—a time for friends, families, and even kids to come together and share in the joy of the game.
A Game for All Generations
What makes our cricket sessions truly special is the inclusion of everyone—adults, kids, and now even women. Their energy and enthusiasm brought a new dimension to our games. It’s no longerjust about cricket; it’s about families gathering for a shared experience.
And then there’s the tea (चाय). Yes, tea! It’s become a tradition to end every session with a refreshing cup, accompanied by lively discussions about the day’s play, Indian cricket, and other stories. It’s a ritual that bonds us further, turning ordinary Fridays into extraordinary evenings.
One unique feature of our games is playing under the lights. For many of us, night cricket was something we only watched on TV. But here in Tung Chung, we have the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. The floodlit ground adds a magical touch, making every match feel like a professional event.
More Than Just a Game
Cricket, like any team sport, has a way of fostering team spirit and healthy competition. The thrill of hitting a boundary, the joy of taking a wicket, the smiles and high-fives—it all creates an atmosphere of pure happiness. Even after long, tiring days at work, we show up on the field, and as soon as the game begins, the fatigue disappears.
Tung Chung Fivers tournament is the latest chapter in our cricketing journey which was just an idea proposed in the group and was immediately accepted joyously by everyone. The responsibilities were distributed, Aayush, the youngest in the group and also the tech geek, designed the tournament logo & flyer. With the help of everyone we successfully ordered T-shirts and caps for the entire team. Such is the energy and enthusiasm in the team. To add to the excitement, Kashish who recently joined the cricket group, volunteered to reach out to Gary (owner of Desiflava magazine) to help publish the story of these extraordinary Desi cricket enthusiasts and the tournament and also to Ankit (Owner of Social Wolf, more details below) to sponsor the event cost partially. They both kindly agreed to contribute to this amazing event.
For us, this is not just about competition; it’s a celebration of community and togetherness. We’ve made it an open-gender, all-age event, welcoming kids aged 10–15 and female players to join the fun. The inclusion of women has been a fantastic addition, as their contribution outshined as an impact player. There’s a special pride in being a part of a tournament—not just as a spectator but as a player, cheered on by your family.
To keep everyone energized, we’ve arranged post-match snacks and energy drinks, ensuring the fun continues off the field. The format is simple but exciting: a round-robin series between four teams, followed by a final match between the top two.
The X-Factor
What sets this event apart is the sense of unity it fosters. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about creating memories, strengthening bonds, and celebrating our shared love for cricket. As we step onto the field each week, we’re reminded of how far we’ve come—from a small group of friends to a thriving community brought together by this beautiful game.
So, here’s to cricket—the game that keeps us connected, energized, and inspired. And here’s to the Tung Chung Indian community, proving that when we come together, we can create something truly special.
| Team Name |
Player Name |
| Tung Chung Power Hitter | Nitin Khabiya ( C ) |
| Tung Chung Power Hitter | Kashish Sidana |
| Tung Chung Power Hitter | Vineet Bajaj |
| Tung Chung Power Hitter | Aruna Kothari |
| Tung Chung Power Hitter | Kush Jain |
| Tung Chung Warriors | Vivek Jain ( C ) |
| Tung Chung Warriors | Deep Ashar |
| Tung Chung Warriors | Abhishek Singhvi |
| Tung Chung Warriors | Aashi Kothari |
| Tung Chung Warriors | Aayush Mehta |
| Royal Challengers Tung Chung | Sharad Bhandari ( C ) |
| Royal Challengers Tung Chung | Vijay Kothari |
| Royal Challengers Tung Chung | Abhishek kapoor |
| Royal Challengers Tung Chung | Ruchi Jain |
| Royal Challengers Tung Chung | Arnav Mehta |
| Royal Challengers Tung Chung | Ishan Mantri (Impact Player) |
| Tung Chung Champions | Vipul Jain ( C ) |
| Tung Chung Champions | Vasanth Reddy |
| Tung Chung Champions | Shekhar Trivedi |
| Tung Chung Champions | Anisha Bhandari |
| Tung Chung Champions | Parv Jain |
Result:
After the round robin matches, only TC Warriors comfortably made it to the finals winning consecutive matches defeating all teams.
The true & fair umpires (Manan ji & Daga ji) suggested a quick 2 over qualifier match to decide the 2nd finalists as the remaining teams were tied with 1 win each! TC champions won the qualifierand made its way to the finals.
The friendly cricket tournament witnessed a nail-biting clash with a thrilling finish! Both teams showcased exceptional skills, but it was Shekhar from TC Champions who snatched the victory by hitting maximum boundaries.
The match epitomized the spirit of the friendly tournament, with both teams displaying commendable sportsmanship and determination. The TC Champions ability to hold their composure under pressure proved to be the difference in the end.
The family & friends were treated to an unforgettable game, and the players left the field with smiles, proving that cricket, above all, is a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and passion.
Award Ceremony
- Top performance in Kids category: Parv & Kush
- Top performance in Female category: Aashi & Anisha ji
- Best Bowler: Parv Jain
- Best Batsman: Shekhar Trivedi
- Player of the match (PotM): Vivek Jain
- Player of the Tournament (PotT): Shekhar Trivedi
- Best Team: Tung Chung Champions led by Vipul Jain
Are you also a cricket enthusiast like us and want to become part of our TC Indian community cricket group, please email Sharad tungchungfivers@gmail.com
