Gopal Snacks Rule Saurashtra FMCG Premier League
Newz Daddy Healthcare Updates
Gopal Snacks, one of India’s leading companies in the organised traditional snacks sector, emerged champions of the Saurashtra FMCG Premier League cricket tournament held in Rajkot.
Gopal Snacks defeated Gokul Snacks in the final match to lift the trophy. Batting first, Gokul Snacks were bowled out for 47 runs. Gopal Snacks chased down the runs in just over five overs for the loss of two wickets, to score a comfortable eight-wicket victory. Ilyas Dal from Gopal Snacks’ logistics department was named both Man of the Match and Man of the Series for his standout performances.
The tournament, held on January 4, also featured six other leading FMCG companies, viz. Funwave Foods, Balaji Wafer, Chillfill Foods, Evita Foods, Pratap Snacks, and Haldiram’s. The teams were divided into two groups for the league stage, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.
In the first semi-final, Gopal Snacks registered a commanding 71-run win over Evita Foods, while Gokul Snacks defeated Haldiram’s by 18 runs in the second semi-final.
Raj Hadvani, Whole-time Director and CEO of Gopal Snacks, said, “I extend my sincere wishes to all the teams, and especially the winning team, for their spirited performances during the tournament. Sports not only encourage fitness but also instil discipline and sportsmanship.”
The Saurashtra FMCG Premier League has slowly become an important sporting event for companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sector across Gujarat. Such tournaments are not just about winning trophies. They help employees from different departments meet, bond and work as a team outside the office or factory floor. In industries where work pressure is often high and deadlines are tight, cricket acts as a simple and healthy way to refresh minds and build trust among colleagues.
Gopal Snacks has grown from a regional snacks brand into a well-known name across India. The company is widely recognised for products such as namkeen, wafers and traditional Indian snacks that are popular in both urban and rural markets. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in modern manufacturing, quality control and distribution. This strong internal culture often reflects in events like corporate sports tournaments, where teamwork and discipline play a key role.
The performance of Gopal Snacks in the tournament showed clear planning and balance. Bowling out an opponent for just 47 runs in a final match is no small achievement, even in a short-format game. It points towards sharp fielding, accurate bowling and good on-field communication. Chasing the target quickly with minimal loss of wickets further showed confidence and skill among the players.
The standout performer, Ilyas Dal, comes from the logistics department, which highlights an important point. Corporate cricket leagues often bring forward hidden sporting talent from non-sporting roles. Employees who spend most of their time managing supply chains, warehouses or transport schedules get a chance to shine on the field. Such recognition boosts morale and encourages other employees to take part in future events.
The participation of major FMCG names like Haldiram’s, Balaji Wafer and Pratap Snacks also underlines the growing interest of large food companies in employee engagement through sports. These companies operate across multiple states and employ thousands of people. Friendly competition on the cricket field helps break hierarchy and allows staff members from different levels to interact as equals.
Rajkot and the wider Saurashtra region have a strong cricketing culture. The area has produced several professional cricketers and continues to support local tournaments at various levels. Hosting an FMCG league in this region adds to that sporting tradition while also bringing together the business community. Local grounds, organisers and support staff also benefit from such events.
Statements like the one given by Raj Hadvani reflect a wider shift in corporate thinking. Many Indian companies now see sports as more than a leisure activity. They view it as a tool for building discipline, leadership and a healthy work-life balance. When senior management openly supports such events, it sends a positive message across the organisation.
Overall, Gopal Snacks’ win at the Saurashtra FMCG Premier League cricket tournament stands as a fine example of how corporate sports can combine competition with camaraderie. The event not only celebrated cricket but also highlighted the human side of large organisations, where teamwork, respect and shared joy matter as much as business success.
