By Aney Mathew

Cricket fans in Doha were in for a treat as they got to meet celebrated Indian Cricketer Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj face-to-face over the weekend.

The celebrated all-rounder and 1983 World Cup-winning former captain of the Indian team was in Doha on the invitation of the Engineers’ Forum. Kapil, who has several awards and recognitions to his credit, including the Padma Bhushan and Wisden Indian Cricketer of the century, was honoured by the forum with a Life Time Achievement Award for his contribution to cricket.

Titled “EF’s Sporting with Living Legend 2014”, the programme was also graced by Dr Seetharaman, Group CEO of Doha Bank, as the guest of honour. The programme began with a march past by the 13 alumni teams of the Engineer’s Forum and a flag hoisting by the renowned cricketer. On behalf of the forum, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kapil Dev by Dr Seetharaman.

Kapil, recognised as one of the “25 Greatest Global Living Legends in India”, seemed quite patient with his many admirers, as excited fans both young and old pressed upon him for autographs and a photo opportunity. He proved to the audience that his charisma extended well beyond the cricket field when he responded to all the adulation and appreciation with his characteristic simplicity and a good sense of humour.

“I feel so awkward when I am so highly praised that I don’t know where to look. We just played cricket, because we enjoyed the game. I never realised how big cricket is, in the heart of Indians, during the days when I actually played the game; I was so immersed in the sport. But now wherever I go I hear people talk about my game,” he said smiling, evoking much laughter.

Several enthusiastic references were made to his performance against Zimbabwe in 1983, when he put on an unbeaten 126 runs for the 9th wicket, a world record that stood unbroken for
27 years.

The programme had something for the younger generation as well. Budding sportsmen from among the families of the Engineers’ Forum were awarded special prizes. Athul Rajesh was recognised for representing Qatar at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under 16 Challenge Cup held in Thailand in 2012. Azaan Nazer, a hockey player who was part of the winning team in the Brazil series and the series against Sudan, was the other recipient of the award. Azaan’s team was also the runner-up for the Gulf Cup.

The evening also marked the official start of the EF Gulf Lights Cricket Tournament 2014.