From cricket to recovery: 10-year-old’s determined journey back to sports

The dreams of possibly being able to make hundreds of runs like popular local cricketer, Shimron Hetmyer and hit sixes into the air at unimaginable speeds have been put on a short hold for one 10-year-old infatuated with the sport of cricket.
This young dreamer, who has also put the work into playing at the same level of Hetmyer is 10-year-old Riaan Nankoo from Success Elementary School, whose aspirations were halted for a short moment by an unfortunate accident in early November 2024 where a nail injured his left feet.
Riaan recounted his experience to this newspaper on Saturday, where he was spotted striding with great determination at the newly commissioned Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Home Stretch Avenue, Georgetown.
The accident occurred while he was riding his bike.

Unfortunately, he found himself in the vicinity of an oncoming car, and as he tried to swerve to avoid it, he fell. His foot landed on a nail that was lying on the ground.
Despite his young age and this unfortunate situation, Riaan fearlessly addressed the situation, emanating a spirit of determination and resilience.
“I was riding my bike, and somebody put some wood and nails. I tried to avoid a car, and then I had to stand up on my bike because it didn’t have any training wheels. I fell onto two nails, and they pierced the side of my foot,” the ten-year-old recounted.
This young cricket enthusiast, who daydreams of returning to his active lifestyle, holds onto hope the same way he once held onto his cricket bat.
“I don’t know, but I pray maybe by next month or in another week or two,” Riaan shared optimistically.
Despite his injury, Riaan has found a new outlet to stay connected to sports. Currently, he spends time playing on his PlayStation, focusing on football games. He is proud of the progress he has made in this area.
“I started playing PlayStation games, football, and I’m getting really good at it. We keep passing balls to one another,” he said.
Riaan also expressed his admiration for Shimron Hetmyer, a cricketer he deeply looks up to and aspire to become.
“I really love cricket, and I used to look up to Shimron Hetmyer. I used to practice playing cricket as well, and I used to play on my bike all over the streets in different places. Since I got injured, I haven’t been going out as much.”
Riaan was seen along sides his supportive aunt, who has been accompanying him when he visits the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.