Struggles, challenges, hard work, pride are some of the emotions cricketer Jhulan Goswami shared with the students of Modern High School for Girls on Thursday. The occasion: an interactive session to mark the viewing of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup trophy.
Children of the school’s junior section gave a heartfelt welcome to Goswami with a welcome song. “Hurray we cheer for India/ Best of luck to the other teams/ We pray for our team India/ Win the trophy once again,” sang the little singers, dressed in the Indian cricket team's jersey, for the pacer from Chakdaha, who is an inspiration for many.
Children of the school’s junior section gave a heartfelt welcome to Goswami with a welcome song
“Children have been practising the song for days and they are very happy to be able to present it today in front of Jhulan Goswami, who is such an inspiration," said Aban Confectioner, the head of primary and junior section, said. The song was written by music teacher Dilshad Jilla and composed by teachers and students of Modern High School.
Taking the dais, Goswami shared her excitement at seeing the World Cup trophy with the students and staff of the school. “It feels wonderful to be here today and to be able to see the trophy that will be battled for in a few months. The Indian cricket team prepares for four months for a World Cup and that makes this trophy so valuable. For every cricketer, the World Cup matters just like the Olympics matter for other sports. The last time India won this trophy was in 2011, after 1983, and I am confident that this time the team will be able to win it again."
'For every cricketer, the World Cup matters just like the Olympics matter for other sports'
Interaction on cricket
The students of Modern High School also got an exclusive opportunity to interact with Goswami. The session started off with Sharanya Bhattacharya of Class X asking Goswami about her struggles as a woman cricketer. "I was born in Chakdah and not being from Kolkata things were difficult. There was no opportunity for women to play cricket in my hometown. So, I travelled to Kolkata for my practice. Also, being born as a girl in a small town, I have faced many challenges. So while following my passion for cricket, I never felt that it was something impossible. Now when I think about it, I feel it would have been easier back then with all the facilities we have now."
Jhulan Goswami with the teachers of MHS
Anika Goenka of Class IX, a fast bowler herself, did not miss the opportunity to ask the pacer for some tips. “Fast bowling needs a lot of strength and technique. So, to be a good fast bowler, you need to build up your strength and practise regularly. As a fast bowler, you need to focus on your movement and actions. These things come with hard work and training,” Goswami said.
Jhulan Goswami addresses the students at Modern High School
Closing the session, Confectioner asked Goswami when and how she got interested in cricket. "As a teacher, you will not like this answer," laughed the cricketer. "I thought of pursuing my career in sports when I was about to appear for my Class XI board exams. The first year I missed my board exams but in the second year I passed. After that, I thought education was not my cup of tea. But now I understand that education is also very important, no matter what career path you choose."