Hyderabad: Team COVA Peace Network organised a five-over cricket match for Sankranti, Christmas and Guru Govind Singh Jayanti at the Boys Town High School in Hyderabad on Monday. It had teams with representations from Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikh faiths from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.
Participants were there from most castes but a sizable number were from the Lambada community. Ten guests of honour of the programme also participated as two teams played for harmony and peace.
Dr Mazher Hussain, executive director of COVA (Confederation of Voluntary Organisations) spoke about the concepts of sports for peace and multi faith celebrations and thanked all for their active partnership in making the programme a success.
The teams had players chosen from all religions, caste and locality lines. Zhenis from Kazakhstan spoke about the sports culture in his country and explained how faiths coexist. As part of multi faith celebrations, Brother Prabhaharan spoke about how Christmas is celebrated across the world. Sardar Sajjan Singh explained about the life and contributions of Guru Gobind Singh and reminded that service to humanity is the hallmark of Sikhism.
Pandit Harinarayan Tiwari from Ayodhya explained the importance of Sankranti and why it is celebrated. Qari Mustafa Soofiyani appreciated the concept of multi faith celebrations and the importance of respect for all faiths and the need for peaceful coexistence when the world is gripped by unprecedented violence.
Prizes and medals were distributed to the winners and mementos were given to the guests of honour.
