India U-19 celebrity Raj Angad Bawa sporting Olympic gold medallist grandfather Tarlochan’s legacy

Raj Angad, 19, has the faintest reminiscence of his overdue grandfather – the night walk of their yard in Chandigarh.

“I don’t have many fond recollections of my grandfather as a result of I used to be a child when he died. However I’ve heard his tales from my grandmother and my father, which can stick with me ceaselessly,” Raj Angad Bawa advised The Indian information from Tarouba in Trinidad and Tobago, earlier than their ultimate crew B fit in opposition to Uganda on the ongoing ICC Males’s U-19 International Cup.

Tarlochan scored two targets within the 1948 Olympics; one within the 4-Zero win over Nice Britain within the ultimate, incomes Impartial India its first gold medal.

“Each time I see that gold medal, it provides me goosebumps, I will be able to best believe how necessary success it will have to had been, again then,” stated Raj.

Even if Raj has only a few recollections of his grandfather, he has noticed his father Sukhwinder Bawa hone the abilities of a number of cricketers, together with the likes of former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and pacer VRV Singh.

Raj Angad Bawa (in centre) along with his grandfather Tarlochan Bawa (left) and father Sukhwinder Bawa. Tarlochan Bawa used to be member of 1948 Hockey staff, whilst Raj’s father coached Yuvraj Singh. (Particular association)

“I’m proud to be a Bawa. Enjoying an element in sporting this kind of wealthy legacy ahead is an honour, however on the identical time, I at all times knew I’ve giant sneakers to fill. I simply hope I’d do justice to my circle of relatives identify.’

Raj, a fast-bowling all-rounder, has no longer put a foot mistaken on the U-19 International Cup. He bagged a four-wicket haul in opposition to South Africa within the first fit and adopted it with a cunning 42 in opposition to Eire. Raj stored his best possible in opposition to Uganda, smashing a 108-ball 162, together with 14 fours and 8 sixes. All the way through that innings, he become the best possible person scorer in one innings for India, surpassing Shikhar Dhawan’s 155 in opposition to Scotland in Dhaka on the 2004 U-19 International Cup.

Apparently, Raj bowls along with his proper arm however is a southpaw batter. He switched his batting stance after observing Yuvraj Singh from shut corners.

“I used to look at Yuvraj practise at my father’s training centre. Once I first picked up the bat perhaps I used to be seeking to imitate him, and it caught with me,” stated Raj, who idolises Yuvraj Singh, and dons the similar jersey quantity 12.

Raj Angad with Yuvraj Singh and father Sukhwinder Singh.. (Particular association)

“I picked up No 12 on account of a number of causes. My overdue grandfather’s birthday is on February 12. My idol Yuvraj extensively utilized to put on jersey No 12, as his birthday is on December 12. I have a good time my birthday on November 12,” stated Raj.

Rising up, theatre and dance took priority over cricket.

“He used to be by no means into the cricket. I had given up the entire hopes. I assumed, he’ll develop into an actor,” recollects father Sukhwinder.

Raj’s love affair with cricket began when he first visited the Dharamshala stadium along with his father.

“I used to be a trainer, and we have been taking part in some native tournaments. After our observe on the Dharamshala Stadium, he got here to me and stated, ‘Dad, I need to develop into a cricketer.’ That used to be the happiest day of my lifestyles,” recollects Sukhwinder.

Sukhwinder performed hockey for Haryana junior staff and used to be even decided on for India U-19 camp in 1988. His dream of taking part in cricket ended because of a slipped disc harm, and on the age of 22, he become a trainer.

“I used to be posted on the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurugram once I first noticed Raj bowling tempo. He will have to be 11. What inspired me used to be that he bagged 5 wickets within the first fit, bowling with the leather-based ball. I used to be delighted,” stated the 54-year-old.

“For a yr, I labored on his touchdown toes. His motion used to be a little bit harm susceptible, and as soon as it used to be mounted, I advised him ‘pay attention, it’s time your bowling takes a again seat, and also you center of attention to your batting’”.

Raj, who calls himself a real all-rounder, credit his father for his construction.

“My father knew about my cricket. He someway knew that instant bowling got here naturally to me, so he sought after to concentrate on my batting. To start with, I used to be targeted best on batting and began bowling off-spin.

“I began bowling instant once more within the Punjab U-16 Vijay Service provider Trophy camp. I by no means advised him that I’d began bowling instant once more, however I in the end were given stuck,” he stated.

Sukhwinder feels his son can develop into a excellent all-rounder, however he will have to stay disciplined.

“I used to be a scholar of DP Azad, his mantra of training was self-discipline and punctuality. Azad sir used to hate if anyone would flip up overdue right through the educational consultation. I’ve picked up this stuff from Azad sir and had instilled his treasured classes into Raj’s cricket. With a bit of luck, he’ll stay targeted and can constitute the senior nationwide staff for a very long time,” he stated.