ANI
On Thursday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) made history by becoming the new Guinness World Records title holder for the ‘Largest Cricket Ball Sentence’. This achievement came as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
A Special Tribute to Wankhede Stadium’s Legacy
The record-breaking event took place on the anniversary of the stadium’s first international match, held from January 23 to 29, 1975. During this Test match, India faced the West Indies, marking a significant moment in cricket history.
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This remarkable achievement was dedicated to the late Eknath Solkar, who scored a century in that inaugural match, as well as other departed Mumbai cricketers who contributed to the sport’s rich legacy.
Record-Breaking Sentence at Wankhede Stadium
A total of 14,505 leather cricket balls were meticulously arranged on the Wankhede Stadium field to form the sentence “Fifty Years of Wankhede Stadium”
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This historic moment was celebrated in the presence of MCA President Ajinkya Naik and other office-bearers, as well as members of the MCA Apex Council.
Breakdown of the Balls Used for the Sentence
| Number of Balls | |
|---|---|
| FIFTY | 1902 |
| YEARS | 2831 |
| OF | 1066 |
| WANKHEDE | 4990 |
| STADIUM | 3672 |
| FULL STOP (.) | 44 |
| TOTAL | 14,505 |
Giving Back to Aspiring Cricketers
The MCA plans to donate the 14,505 cricket balls used in the record attempt to aspiring cricketers from schools, clubs, and NGOs in the city. This gesture aims to inspire the next generation of cricket players to pursue their dreams and achieve even greater milestones in their careers.
A Tribute to Mumbai’s Cricket Legacy
Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association, expressed pride in the record achievement, stating:
“Mumbai cricket has contributed significantly to the sport and it holds a special place in cricket’s history. The city has produced some of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. Wankhede Stadium is the pride of Mumbai and has witnessed countless historic moments. This Guinness World Records title is a reflection of Mumbai cricket’s passion, legacy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It is also a special tribute to all the players, officials, and unsung heroes who have contributed to Mumbai’s cricketing legacy.”
MCA’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Earlier, the MCA hosted a series of spectacular events to mark Wankhede Stadium’s golden jubilee. These celebrations included:
- Felicitation of the captains of Mumbai’s men’s and women’s cricket teams.
Honoring members of the Mumbai team who played in Wankhede’s first-ever first-class match in 1974.
- A special recognition for former Elected Managing Committee members and the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai.
A tribute to the groundsmen of Wankhede Stadium, with a Polly Umrigar Health Camp and a special lunch organized in their honor.
A Star-Studded Golden Jubilee Event
On January 19, the grand event witnessed a packed Wankhede Stadium with the presence of cricket legends, including: Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Diana Edulji, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane
The evening also featured stunning performances by Ajay-Atul and Avadhoot Gupte, followed by a breathtaking laser show that left the crowd in awe.
The MCA’s record achievement and golden jubilee celebrations have truly captured the spirit and rich legacy of Mumbai cricket, making the 50th anniversary of Wankhede Stadium a memorable occasion for cricket fans around the world.
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