DEPUTY Commissioner of Police (Administration), Ravindradat Budhram, has urged young cricketers to pursue sporting excellence without compromising their education, stressing that discipline, professionalism and personal development are essential to long-term success.
Budhram delivered the message on Wednesday during a visit to the Transport General Sports Club at Thomas Lands, where he interacted with young players participating in the Transport Developmental League.
The league provides young cricketers from participating clubs with an opportunity to develop their skills while creating a pathway for emerging talent to be identified and nurtured.
Addressing the players, Budhram encouraged them to remain committed to their academic studies while pursuing their ambitions in cricket.
He emphasised that success in sport should be accompanied by academic achievement, noting that education and sport both play important roles in shaping young people’s futures.
The Deputy Commissioner also cautioned the players that natural talent alone is not enough to achieve sustained success.
He highlighted discipline, confidentiality and professionalism as important qualities and encouraged the young cricketers to conduct themselves responsibly both on and off the field.
Budhram also urged the youths to pay attention to their appearance and dress and to demonstrate respect in their interactions with teammates, coaches, officials and members of the wider community.
Officer-in-Charge of the Community Relations Department, Superintendent Leslyn Smith, reinforced the message, encouraging the young players to maintain a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities and sporting pursuits.
Smith said cricket should be viewed as more than a game, noting that participation in the sport can help young people develop discipline, teamwork, a strong work ethic and healthy lifestyles.
The engagement gave the young cricketers an opportunity to hear directly from senior members of the Guyana Police Force about the values and behaviours that can contribute to success both on the cricket field and in their wider lives.
The session was organised by Head of the Transport General Sports Club, Shaun Massiah, and the club’s Manager, Charles Greaves.
The engagement forms part of efforts to encourage young athletes to use sport as a platform for personal growth while remaining focused on education and responsible citizenship.