Hyderabad youth hold multi-faith cricket event for harmony
HYDERABAD: Youth from Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh communities came together for a Sports4Peace cricket tournament and multi-faith celebrations organised by COVA Peace Network on January 11, 2026, at Boys Town High School.
Cricket brings youth across faiths together
The event marked Christmas, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti and Sankranti through sport and dialogue. Seven teams participated in the tournament, with players representing Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, as well as different castes.
After the league matches, two members from each team joined six leaders from different faiths and police officers for a “Play for Peace” match, aimed at promoting partnership, coexistence and harmony.
Faith leaders highlight shared values
As part of the celebrations, Pandit Harinarayan Tiwari of Ayodhya spoke on the significance of Sankranti and its cultural importance. Brother Edward Raj explained Christmas as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, observed worldwide with family gatherings and acts of sharing.
Dr Mazher Hussain spoke about the life and contributions of Guru Gobind Singh, highlighting Sikhism’s core belief in service to humanity. Qari Mustapha Soofiyani, Rev Yedla Surya Prakash and Ateeq M. Oosman appreciated the concept of multi-faith celebrations and stressed the need for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence amid rising global violence.
Police, organisers stress harmony
Aerikonda Seethiah, inspector of police, Falaknuma police station, described the initiative as timely and said sustained efforts were needed to strengthen harmony, national integration and peace.
Brother Thomas Chakalaka, secretary of COVA, outlined the organisation’s peace initiatives over the past 30 years and called on youth to partner with COVA at local and global levels.
Brothers 11, GM Chowni won the tournament, while Rahman C C, GM Chowni finished runners-up. Prizes and medals were distributed to the winners, and mementos were presented to guests of honour.
Raju Vedala, project coordinator, welcomed participants, while M.A. Kaleem, programmes coordinator, thanked teams and volunteers for their support.
