PANAJI
Dubai Goan twins Rachel and Troy Dias have been pushing the boundaries in different fields during separate tours of the UK.
While Rachel has been promoting reading as part of her ‘Books for All’ campaign, Troy made a mark during the Dubai-based Desert Cubs Sports Academy’s cricket matches in the UK.
RACHEL DIAS
The Rachel Foundation completed its first literacy initiative in the United Kingdom, marking another milestone in the organisation's expanding global Books for All campaign.
The project saw the donation of children's storybooks to The Children's Book Project, a leading UK charity that provides books to children who have limited access to reading materials.
The books were presented by Rachel Dias to Julia Barder, publisher liaison at The Children's Book Project, during a special handover. The charity acknowledged the contribution with a letter of appreciation, recognising the foundation's commitment to promoting literacy and supporting children through the gift of books.
Speaking on the occasion, Rachel said the opportunity to contribute to children in the United Kingdom was both an honour and a meaningful step in the foundation's mission.
"Books have the power to inspire dreams, encourage learning, and transform lives. It is wonderful to know that these books will reach children who will cherish and benefit from them," she said.
The UK project further strengthens the Rachel Foundation's international outreach. Through its Books for All initiative, the Foundation has undertaken literacy projects in India, Mauritius, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, collaborating with schools, community organisations, and charitable institutions to improve children's access to books and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
According to The Children's Book Project, the donated books will be distributed to families across the United Kingdom, ensuring they reach children who may otherwise have few opportunities to own books.
The completion of its first UK project represents another significant step in the Rachel Foundation's vision of making quality reading materials accessible to children worldwide.
TROY DIAS
Troy Jose Dias marked a major milestone in his budding career with a standout performance during the Dubai-based Desert Cubs Sports Academy’s recent tour of the UK.
The tour kicked off with a T20 clash against Tiddington Cricket Club, after which Troy and the Under-11 Cheetahs squad transitioned into a series of 35-over fixtures against several top UK youth clubs.
The highlight of Troy’s trip came on July 23, when the sharp fast bowler was named Player of the Match for his decisive spell against England’s Headstone Manor Cricket Club.
Shifting from the hard, rapid pitches of the UAE to England’s cool, grass-covered surfaces is a challenge for any fast bowler.
Troy embraced the test, adapting to the damp air and seam-friendly tracks.
"Playing in the UK has been an incredible learning curve," Troy shared. "With the ball moving so much more on English pitches, I had to refine my seam position and line immediately. It was a massive confidence booster and taught me how to adjust on the fly.”
Cricket runs deep in Troy’s DNA—his father, Terrence Dias, is a former Goa cricketer. But for Troy, the trip was about holistic growth.
Beyond demanding match schedules and rigorous training, the team immersed themselves in British culture, explored iconic landmarks, and built strong camaraderie.
"Tours like this instill mental resilience, teamwork, and independence," noted his mother Remediana Dias. "Watching Troy adapt so seamlessly and wear the Desert Cubs badge with pride has been fantastic."
Building on previous experience in Sri Lanka and now the UK, Troy returns to the UAE with heightened confidence and a sharper skill set as he continues his cricket journey.
