Published: Jun 02, 2014, 08:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 02, 2014, 08:04 PM (IST)
May 2, 2014
Madhav Mantri‘s condolence meeting was held at the Wankhede Stadium by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Monday. The meeting was attended by Sharad Pawar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Sawant, and Ajinkya Rahane were in attendance.
Commencing the meeting, Pawar said , “His contributions to cricket won’t be forgotten. He lived for cricket. It wasnt cricket alone but he also inspired you to live. He would come for matches in Wankhede Stadium. We used to get to listen to all his knowledge of the game.”
Vilas Godbole, a famous coach in Mumbai’s circles said, “Madhav mantri and cricket were inseparable. He and dadar union were inseparable. I am fortunate to play under him. He was so disciplined. From being on time to polishing shoes. He did many things for Mumbai cricket. But the most important was what we learnt during our time Dadar Union. He used to conduct fielding practice after work and then tall cricket. That generation of Dadar Union learnt a lot.”
Godbole said, “If you meet cricketers from Dadar Union. They are analytical. His field settings were amazing. During a game, Vijay Manjrekar told him to take a particular fielder away as he couldnt get runs. That was a compliment.”
Vengsarkar said, “I played for Dadar Union in 1973 and I missed a ton in that match. He was there but was a bit skeptical to meet him. I could see the warmth in him and he wished. As a youngster I used to see him go everyday to office at 8. When he became MCA PRESIDENT, and I was Mumbai captain. He was extremely warm and humble.”
