Unlike Unmukt, Harmeet enjoys support from college

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Harmeet Singh, a member of the U-19 cricket team which won the World Cup recently, was given a rousing reception—PTI

At a time when Unmukt Chand, the victorious captain of the U-19 World Cup winning India team faces the danger of losing out on an academic year owing to insufficient attendance, Harmeet Singh, an integral member of Chand’s team is relishing the support provided by his college authorities here.

On Friday, the Mumbai youngster received a cheque of `50,000 from Thakur College of Science and Commerce at a grand felicitation function here, which was also attended by his family members.
Hundreds of cheering college students danced to deafening drum beats, taking even the local hero by surprise. Harmeet, who admitted that the feeling was yet to sink in, was quick to thank the college staff.
“I am thankful to my college as they have stood by me through thick and thin. They were not judgmental in their approach and supported me even when I was an upcoming cricketer and not part of the India U-19 team, “ said the 19-year-old SYBCOM student.
The left-arm spinner added that it was important that school and college authorities encouraged young talent and be more accommodating.
“We won six medals at the Olympics but did not win a gold. No parents will encourage their children to take up sports if the college does not support. Every lane has a talented kid and we can’t afford to let it go untapped.”
Dr C.T. Chakraborty, principal of the college said that was important for educationists to back their students.
“In my decade-long experience, I have learnt that students can bring laurels for their college in disciplines like sports and music too. The college authorities should work out a way and back talented kids to excel in their chosen field,” she told this newspaper.
A faculty member added that in Harmeet’s case, professors even went to his house to make up for the lost time. “It is a bit of an hassle but with a good team of teachers you can always achieve the goal. Exams are held at a particular time and students must be allowed to appear for examinations when they are doing very well in other fields,” Dr Chakraborty added.
Now that he in the public eye, Harmeet added that he will need to work hard to meet expectations. “I will resume training from Monday at the Bandra Kurla Complex ground. The expectations will be more and I am ready to work harder.
“Before leaving for the World Cup, I went home just once in three months. I have set high standards for myself and my belief is strong.”