The 40th year of India’s first cricket World Cup victory brought a memorable moment for the students and staff of Modern High School (MHS) for Girls, Kolkata, as they got a glimpse of the ICC Men’s World Cup trophy up close on Thursday.
Modern High School became the lucky venue to have the privilege of displaying the trophy on its campus as part of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour, which was launched on June 27.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will be played in 10 cities across India from October 5 to November 19, 2023, and before that the trophy will be touring the 18 ICC member countries.
As the dream of India lifting the Cup again glows in every Indian fan’s heart, the golden trophy gleamed in all its glory inside a glass case placed in the shed of Modern High School for Girls. Children, teachers and guardians queued up for one look at the trophy and didn’t miss the opportunity to click photographs with it.
My Kolkata spoke to some of the lucky ones:
Students pose for a class photograph with the trophy
Aadya Jhunjhunwala, Class X
I love watching cricket and my favourite player is the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This is an awesome opportunity for us to see the trophy from so close.
Akaansha Sengupta, Class X
I am a huge fan of Virat Kohli and I try not to miss a single match of his. When I heard that the trophy would be brought to our school, we were extremely excited! I am sure India will win the tournament this year and the trophy will be ours!
Parents get clicked with the iconic cup
Soumalya Mondal, father of Aradhya Mondal, Class II
I have been playing cricket since childhood and the game is very close to my heart. Thanks to my daughter’s school, I got a chance to see the trophy! We usually see the trophy on television or in photographs. Today, when I saw it from so close, I felt elated. As a family, we have been watching cricket passionately for years together. When I heard about the trophy’s arrival, I thought of making a quick visit to the school to see it.
Teachers pose with the trophy
Aban Confectioner, head, primary and junior department
This is a lovely opportunity for the school! The students are very happy and excited, as you can see. Especially the little ones! We told them about cricket, about the trophy and the Indian cricket team and they were very pumped up since morning. It is wonderful to see the students so interested in sports.
Asmita Chatterjee, German teacher
It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us. The trophy is so beautiful and I am sure Team India will emerge winners. All the teachers are excited. We gathered around the trophy for a group photograph. Meeting Jhulan (Goswami) was another grand opportunity since she is such an inspiration to all women. I am a huge cricket fan and have been watching cricket since childhood. My favourite cricketer is Anil Kumble.