Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh Thursday presented cricket gear to national U-15 opening batsman Navin Boodwah.
At the GCB office in a simple handing-over ceremony, Singh also pledged to Boodwah that he will be provided with financial and other assistance over the next three years.
The soft-spoken Boodwah thanked Singh for the much-needed gear saying that he was very happy for the contribution.
Singh congratulated Boodwah for having a successful outing in the regional tournament adding that he was confident that Boodwah’s achievement will serve as an inspiration to all children of all levels in Guyana.
The 14-year-old Boodwah, who hails from Port Mourant, was Guyana’s leading run-scorer during the rain-affected CWI Rising Stars Under-15 50-over tournament in Grenada, in August.
Boodwah had a top score of 48 in Guyana’s 26-run win against Windward Islands but it was his innings of 26 off 24 balls in a 15-over per side match against Trinidad and Tobago which showed his ability to adapt to an even shorter version.
Head Coach Latchman Yadram said that innings gave the team a quick start which enabled Guyana to post a winning total of 96-5 from their allotted 15 overs.
Boodwah, who lives at the Bal Nivas Shelter, Berbice and attends the Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary School, started playing cricket in January of this year for Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC).
When asked what motivated him to start playing cricket, he said it was Pandit Jagmohan who told him that he has talent and that he should consider playing hard ball cricket.
It was those words that inspired him.
He added that Jagmohan eventually encouraged him to join the PMCC because of the obvious talent he displayed while playing cricket among his friends.
Administrator of the Shelter, Nodan Ramphal, told the GCB that Boodwah is one of five children from the shelter who play the game and that they are encouraged to take their education seriously and not just focus on sports. She expressed gratitude for the contribution made by the GCB and thanked Singh for the kind gesture.
