BHUBANESWAR 08-Apr-2011 181
Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) felicitated its president and ICC World Cup winning Team India manager Ranjib Biswal in a grand manner at Barabati Stadium here today. Presenting a memento to Biswal, OCA secretary Asirbad Behera thanked him for making Orissa proud by playing an important role in India`s World Cup triumph after a gap of 28 years. ``He proved himself the lucky manager and did a wonderful job in boosting the morale of the team,`` observed the secretary.
Other office-bearers including vice-presidents, joint-secretaries, treasurer and staff members of OCA, representatives of the state cricket body`s affiliated units, office-bearers of other state sports bodies, former cricketers, coaches and political leaders, including former minister Suresh Kumar Routray greeted Biswal with bouquets on the occasion.
Speaking at the function, Mr Biswal thanked BCCI for giving him the assignment and OCA secretary Mr Behera for its whole-hearted support. ``As the manager of the team, I learnt a lot from the World Cup. Now I want to use my valuable experience for the betterment of cricket in Orissa,`` said Mr Biswal, adding that winning the World Cup will remain the best ever moment of his life.
``I could be part of the World Cup winning Indian team only because of the support and guidance of our secretary. He was very keen about the performance our team and his advice to stay cool in difficulut situations proved extreemely helpful,`` admitted Mr Biswal.
Secretary Mr Behera announced that the World Cup along with some members of Team India would be brought to Barabati Stadium for a grand celebration later this month. ``We have given Ranjib babu the responsibility to negotiate with BCCI and fix the date for the event,`` the OCA secretary said.
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PHOTO: OCA secretary Asirbad Behera (Left) felicitates World Cup winning Team India manager Ranjib Biswal at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on April 8, 2011.
