On April 27, in a heartwarming celebration of dreams and hope, the Mumbai Indians welcomed 19,000 underprivileged children to Wankhede Stadium for their “Education and Sports for All” (ESA) match against the Lucknow SuperGiants. The event reinforced the franchise’s long-standing commitment to using cricket as a platform for positive social impact.
Before the match, Mumbai Indians owner Nita M. Ambani addressed the team, led by Hardik Pandya, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and encouraging the players to give it their all for the young fans.
“People who have been with Mumbai Indians know our next game is very special, we have underprivileged children coming, and the energy is really special. So please, put up your best show for them. They wait for years in line to get to come and see one match,” said Nita Ambani.
ESA initiative drives hope and empowerment
The ESA initiative, launched in 2010, represents a collaboration between Reliance Foundation (the CSR arm of Reliance Industries Limited) and Mumbai Indians. Its mission is to make education and sports accessible to children from all backgrounds, empowering young minds and inspiring ambition.
Throughout the day, Wankhede Stadium buzzed with excitement, creating unforgettable memories for the young attendees. Recalling a touching story from a previous ESA Day, Nita Ambani shared an emotional moment that captures the spirit behind the initiative:
“I was sitting in the stands with all of them, and this girl wasn’t eating much. She was picking on her food. I asked her why, and she said, ‘I’m saving it for my brother, because he has never tasted cake in his life.’ These are the things that we want to support. We want to inspire these kids, that in spite of coming from different backgrounds, you can achieve wonders,” she recounted.
Mumbai Indians’ ongoing commitment to social impact
Each IPL season, Mumbai Indians dedicate a special match to their ESA cause, offering thousands of underprivileged children the chance to experience the thrill of live cricket while highlighting the critical role of education and sports in shaping their futures.
Beyond the annual celebration, the ESA initiative drives year-round programs that deliver educational, sports, and cultural opportunities to children from marginalized communities. Through these efforts, Reliance Foundation’s sports initiatives have touched the lives of more than 23 million children and youth across India.
“This is a very special game for me and for all of you who have been a part of this for many years. You can be the inspiration for these children and show them that they can be whatever they dream to be,” Nita Ambani urged.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
