By Frederick Halley

IT’S difficult to envisage where the future of softball would have been headed following the dissolution of the Guyana Softball Cricket Association (GSCA) and subsequent fore-runner, the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

However, through the undying love and efforts of one individual, softball has achieved unprecedented heights in Guyana and from all appearances, the sky is the limit as to how far the grassroot sport will eventually reach.

Recognising the need to keep the sport alive, not only in Guyana but farther afield, Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal has not only “step to the plate,” but has done so in a huge way through his business, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre.

The One Guyana Unification softball extravaganza, in conjunction with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), is one of Hardyal’s latest brainchild, following on nine years of success in the staging of the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup and two years of the Vice-president tournament.

The exuberant prizes, including a car for the Legends Over-50 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and motorcycles for the MVPs in the Open and Masters categories, were unprecedented in the history of the sport in Guyana.

While Hardyal also supports several other sports through his generosity, his benevolence also extends in other areas in and out of Guyana.

It will be recalled that while in Orlando, Florida, for the 2022 Orlando Cup, Hardyal made a substantial financial donation to the Who We Play For, a non-profit organisation actively involved in the screening of young high school athletes for any abnormal heart condition.

According to Pavan Dudella, a volunteer of Who We Play For, the organisation is based out of Melbourne, Florida, and was formed in 2002. He pointed out that 15 cardiologists, along with volunteers, are involved in screening students at different high schools in Florida.

According to cricket journalist and GSCL’s Tournament Director, John Ramsingh, “Anil is a true reflection of not just talking the talk but walking the walk. His love for softball cricket is unmatched. His passion as a player is like a child with a new toy, while his desire to see the sport grow and further develop is like a bush fire on a windy day — just running and getting bigger and brighter.

“He is not one for the limelight but makes his presence felt when he needs to step up as a player or administrator and as such, it is easy to say that the sport needs Anil.

“I wish he can be given a national award for his unwavering commitment towards the development and support of softball cricket.

Popular cricket commentator Inderjeet Persaud also paid glowing tribute to Hardyal, pointing out that “Mahendra Hardyal never followed where a path leads. Instead, he blazes a trail of his own. He understands the importance of compassion, kindness and the responsibility of corporate Guyana. Through sports he has touched the lives of others, especially softball cricket. He, through his business, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre and Regal Sports, has given softball an international flavour.

“Through his generous sponsorship and organisational skills he made simple folks believe in their own strengths, their own intelligence and their power, while showcasing Guyana to the world. His decades of selfless sacrifices to our country deserves a national recognition. We just can’t thank you enough.”