On Nov 30, a youth-led cricket tournament brought together over 150 participants from diverse walks of life – migrant workers, students, and local volunteers – at St Joseph’s Institution (SJI).
The day-long event aimed to foster community integration, empathy, and cross-cultural exchange through the universal language of sport.
This marks the second year such a tournament has been held, but it was the first time the organising committee itself reflected the spirit of inclusion.
The team comprised 17-year-old students Pirathap Cindmyan and Dhiran Dev Rajah from SJI, Reyko Toh from Tampines Meridian Junior College (TMJC), and several migrant workers who regularly volunteer with local charity Ray of Hope. Student volunteers from St Andrew’s Junior College also joined the effort.
The idea was born from conversations with Ray of Hope, which supports grassroots initiatives promoting integration. The organisers found that cricket – a beloved sport among migrant communities – could become a powerful bridge for shared experiences.
“We intentionally formed mixed teams,” explained co-lead Dhiran, “so that migrant workers could coach students unfamiliar with the game. This not only encouraged interaction but also mutual respect.”
Nine teams participated in this year’s tournament, with each side combining students and migrant workers. For many students, it was their first encounter with the sport.
Migrant players taught them the rules, batting techniques, and how to bowl, blending competition with camaraderie.
Selvam Saran, 36, a returning migrant participant and part of this year’s organising team, said: “It’s the friendships that last after the tournament that matter most. The youth respect us and value the time we give to teach them cricket.”
The event was made possible through the support of organisations like OnePeople.SG, Rotary Club Sentosa, Edgeworks Solutions, Mad Dog Motorcycle Club, and the Young Sikh Association (YSA).
YSA President Harishpal Grewal praised the students’ initiative, calling it “a commendable effort that strengthens community bonds”.
Meals and refreshments throughout the day were sponsored, reflecting strong community backing.
The organising team hopes to make this an annual event – one that continues to build bridges, nurture empathy, and celebrate the diversity that defines Singapore.
V.K. Santosh Kumar
