By Ashwin Lobo
Muscat, May 11: Most of the youth today try to mirror the abilities of their favorite heroes such as Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev, but very few consider the hard work and efforts put in by the umpires on the cricket field. Mangalorean Ajith too started his cricketing endevours as a bowler in the city grounds of Kundapur, but grew into an aficionado for the laws of this game that is loved by all. When others tried training themselves with the bat and ball, he took the road less travelled and began sharpening his skills at umpiring, and today he stand as an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) accredited Level II umpire.
Ajith Ivan D'Costa is one of only 15 ACC Level II Umpires in Oman, and was honoured with a special felicitation ceremony organized to recognize this achievement. The event was attended by Oman Cricket (OC) General Secretary Madhu Jesrani, board members Dilip Mehta, Dad Mohammed Al Balushi and Chief Development Officer (and former Sri Lanka cricket captain) Duleep Mendis.
Son of Cajithan D'Costa and Cosses D'Costa, he hails from Halealve and his family is part of the St Pius Church parish in Kundapur. His wife of 7 years, Jacintha and his children, Anisha and Aman are a constant source of support. “I am called to officiate matches on at least three whole weekends in a month, and therefore sometimes lose out on spending time with my family.
But they have been very supportive of my role as an umpire within Oman Cricket. I am thankful and blessed to have such a loving family who encourage me to aim even higher when it comes to the accreditations and would like to one day see me part of the Elite Panel of Umpires for international matches”, says Ivan as his wife smiles with pride.
Since childhood he has had a burning passion towards the game of cricket with Javagal Srinath being his favorite player. Today he looks to emulate Kumara Dharmasena as an umpire.
“It has been a great joy and honour for me and I am thankful to ACC and OC to give me such an opportunity. I will be waiting for a call from ACC to stand in for International Tournaments organized by them.”
Ajith is a member of the Sts Peter and Paul parish in Muscat, Oman and has actively participated in MCCP cricket and sports activities. We wish him all the best and pray for his success as he makes our community proud.
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