At just 18 years old, Soumya Tiwari stands tall as a light of hope and inspiration in the cricketing world. From the tender age of 11, she dreamt not only of making it big in cricket but also of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Today, she has not only fulfilled her dreams but is also actively working to help others achieve theirs.
Born and raised in Bhopal, Soumya’s journey in cricket began under the guidance of coach Suresh Chenani at the Arera Cricket Academy. Within a remarkably short span of time, her talent and dedication saw her rise, making her mark at various levels of the game.
Within a year, she ascended to the senior team of the Bhopal division. By age 13, she represented both Madhya Pradesh’s Under-19 and Under-23 teams. At 15, she debuted for the MP senior team, showcasing her exceptional talent. In 2019, she captained the Women’s Under-16 Central Zone team to victory, also earning the Player of the Tournament. Soumya’s standout performances continued with a century in the 2021 Challenger Trophy and led the state women’s Under-19 team to triumph in a domestic T20 tournament in 2022, earning her the captaincy of India A.
As vice-captain, she played a pivotal role in India’s maiden U19 Women’s World Cup Trophy win in 2023 and contributed significantly to India’s Emerging Asia Cup campaign in Hong Kong where India won the championship. Her leadership was evident as captain of the MP women’s Under-23 team, guiding them to victory in the National T-20 Tournament in 2023.
Despite her rapid growth, Soumya remained grounded, never forgetting the promise she made to herself at the beginning of her journey. With each milestone she achieved, she stayed true to her commitment to supporting aspiring cricketers who lacked the means, and equipment to pursue their passion. Her recent accolades, including the prestigious Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for the country’s best junior female cricketer award by BCCI, serve as a testament to her skill on the field. Yet, perhaps her off-field aspiration truly showcases her character and values.
Utilizing the prize money from her World T20 triumph and her earnings from match fees, Soumya Tiwari has been actively sponsoring budding cricketers from underprivileged backgrounds. Her generosity knows no bounds, as she extends a helping hand to those who would otherwise struggle to afford basic equipment or training.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, with her coach, Chenani, praising her for the inspirational example she sets. Together, they have identified promising talents in need of support and have taken steps to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their progress in the sport.
In an interview with the Times Of India she mentioned, “While reaching the stage where I stand today, I realized that there are many talented players who had to drop out. They couldn’t play any longer because their families couldn’t support them. Long ago, I promised myself that whenever I started earning, I would help such players.”
Soumya’s selflessness and determination remind us all that success is not measured solely by personal achievements but also by the difference we make in the world. As she continues to shine brightly in the world of cricket, Soumya Tiwari stands as a shining example of what it means to chase one’s dreams while uplifting others along the way.
(Quote sourced from TOI)