Tiny trophy, grand gesture

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 3

Sultan Bir Bawa (37), who usually looks after a glass frame and lamination shop in Nayagoan, has been coming up with something unique since the ICC World Cup 2007, to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship. This year, he made a tiny 1-cm long replica of the World Cup trophy using waste material and aims to claim the title of world’s smallest trophy.

Bawa, a resident of Kansal village, Mohali, knows nothing about cricket. But when it comes to creating something unique, he comes up with such unique things. In 2007, he made a replica of the World Cup trophy (2.15 cm) while in 2011 he reduced the size to 1.75cm.This time, the replica has been made using a waste electric wire, a broken artificial pearl and plastic base.

“It took me almost a week to come up with the replica. Earlier, I made two replicas of different sizes and in future will try to reduce the size. I am a normal cricket follower. However, an art lover encourages me to come up with such things every World Cup. The replica is made using waste material,” said Bawa.

His previous work was well appreciated by the local cricket lovers. However, this time he wants to auction the replica. He also wants to donate half of the amount, earned from auction for the welfare of blind students. “This year, I am approaching various corporate houses to sell the replica and donate half the amount for the welfare of blind children. I wish, if this replica could be displayed for general public at some famous place of Chandigarh,” said Bawa. When asked about the reason for selling the replica this time, he replied, “There is no financial crisis. However, my relatives and family members wanted me to auction it. There are many cricket lovers, who would be keen to buy such stuff. In the ongoing world cup, if the Indian cricket team continues its winning streak, my replica’s worth will increase,” added Bawa.