In Uttar Pradesh, a new program is being started to help children leave their mobile phones and come back to the playground. The aim is to make children more active, healthy, and interested in sports. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and the Basic Education Department have started a plan where students from government schools will get a chance to learn cricket.
For this purpose, the department has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with a Mumbai-based organization named The Right Pitch. This organization will give proper cricket training to children. It will also provide cricket kits to the students free of cost. The goal is to make sports a regular part of school life and teach children important life skills through games.
In the first phase, the program will start in 5 districts of Uttar Pradesh. These are Lucknow, Ayodhya, Barabanki, Kanpur Dehat, and Aligarh. In each of these districts, 20 government schools have been selected. So, in total, 100 schools will start this cricket program in the beginning. Later, more schools from other districts will also be included in this sports campaign.
The program is for students in classes 3 to 8. In each school, separate junior and senior teams will be made for boys and girls. The cricket trainers from The Right Pitch will come to the schools and teach the students the basics and techniques of cricket. The students will learn how to bat, bowl, field, and follow the rules of the game.
The founder and director of The Right Pitch, Mr. Shubhankar Pal, said that the full program will officially begin on August 4. On this day, training will start in schools with proper arrangements. The trainers will be experts and will teach the children with care and fun.
This is not just about playing cricket. It is also about learning discipline, teamwork, time management, and self-confidence. Children will learn how to play in a team, listen to others, and respect the coach and the rules. These are values that help in real life, too.
In today’s world, many children spend a lot of time on mobile phones. This habit is not good for their health or studies. Playing outdoor games like cricket helps children stay fit, active, and focused. It also makes them happy and gives them energy. This is why the government wants to bring sports back into the daily routine of students.
By starting this program in government schools, the state is giving equal chances to all children, whether rich or poor. Not every child can go to a cricket academy, but now they will get training in their school. This step will help find talented players from small towns and villages.
The cricket kits will include bats, balls, gloves, stumps, pads, and uniforms. This will make the children feel like real players and encourage them to take sports seriously. The training sessions will be held regularly so that children can practice and improve over time.
The teachers and school staff will also help in organizing the matches and managing the teams. There will be matches between schools, too, so children can play in friendly competitions and show their talent. This will also help in building confidence and friendship among students.
This project is also supported by the SCERT, which looks after education quality in Uttar Pradesh. With the help of the SCERT, the cricket training will be planned in such a way that it does not affect regular studies. Children will get time for both learning and playing.
The trainers from The Right Pitch are well-trained professionals. They know how to work with children and how to teach them sports in a fun and easy way. They will not only teach cricket but also help students grow as good human beings.
The government hopes that after the success in these first 100 schools, the program will reach more schools across the state. Slowly, more districts will be added, and thousands of students will benefit from this cricket training. In the future, these trained children might play at higher levels like district, state, or even national teams.
The campaign also wants to spread awareness among parents and teachers about the value of physical education. Often, sports are not given enough attention in schools. But now, the idea is to balance both academics and sports. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Children who are good at sports also do better in studies. They learn to focus, manage time, and handle pressure. These are all important skills for school and life. So, this program is like an all-around development plan for children.
The cricket program is free for the students. The Right Pitch will handle all the costs of kits and trainers. The government schools will provide the space and support. This public-private partnership is a great example of how teamwork can bring change.
On August 4, when the campaign starts, students will be excited to hold a bat, play on the field, and learn from professional coaches. This will be a day of new hope and joy for many children. It may also inspire them to become future cricketers or sports lovers.
In the future, the government may include other sports like football, volleyball, or athletics in the same way. But for now, cricket has been chosen because it is the most loved sport in India. Every child knows about cricket, and many dream of playing like their favorite players.
This effort will also make schools more active and happy places. When students enjoy school life, they attend classes regularly, stay positive, and learn better. Sports can reduce stress and increase focus. This is very important after the pandemic, when many children felt lonely and tired.
With this step, Uttar Pradesh is becoming a role model for other states. Giving children the right mix of education and sports will help them grow into better citizens. This is not just a training program; it is a mission to build a brighter and stronger future.
In short, this cricket program is a big gift to government school children. It will help them stay fit, active, and smart. It will reduce their mobile usage and bring them to the playgrounds. With teamwork, skill, and support, they can dream big.
Let us all support this new movement—let children play, learn, and shine. Uttar Pradesh has taken the first step. Now, it is time for others to follow.
