Women’s cricket in India has emerged from the shadows of a global pandemic. With the completion of Women’s IPL, women are ready to regain their momentum with competitive matches lying ahead. Smriti Mandhana and her side got their hands on the maiden trophy, the event was also special, as reported by us, for other reasons as well.
One of the highest talking points for the season has to be the involvement of an official sponsor for the first time. Reliance Jio and Neeta Ambani have been the sponsor for Women’s IPL.
Interestingly, Reliance is also the sponsor of Mumbai Indians as well. The Instagram account of Mumbai Indians recently posted a video featuring Neeta Ambani. In the video, she was heard talking about Women’s IPL. Several media reports have stated that Mrs. Ambani along with Jio is carving a comprehensive map for the development of women’s cricket in India.
Neeta Ambani said that she was “optimistic” about the future of women’s cricket in India. Not only cricket, but she also revealed that Reliance Foundation Education and Sports will support young girls in all sports throughout the nation. It was easy to trace and Mrs. Ambani mentioned herself that she has great “passion and proximity” with women and especially in the sporting sphere.
“In the end, women’s cricket will be the winner today.” – Mrs. Nita Ambani.
Here’s how Reliance Foundation Education and Sports for All and JIO are bridging the gender divide in sport.#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #MI #JioWomensT20Challenge @ril_foundation @reliancejio pic.twitter.com/OA1mxRQTn2
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 9, 2020
The main aspect of her address was particularly the importance she gave to building grassroots facilities for the players. She emphasized that for any game to grow it shall be provided with a supporting ecosystem as well. She said that the Reliance Foundation shall work to “provide world-class infrastructure, training, and support for all our women”. Moreover, access to Jio Cricket Stadium for training and match-related purposes will be granted to women cricketers too.
Neeta Ambani mentioned that the presence of 33 Indian players for the WiPL alongside 12 international stars gives great hints on the potential of women in the cricketing world. It is incredible to note that Neeta Ambani and her organization have made an impact on the lives of around 21 million children.
India’s first woman at the International Olympic Committee and Founder & Chairperson Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani has come forward to back women’s cricket in the country 🙌😃
Thank you @reliancejio pic.twitter.com/Ty5CBCJBIe
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 1, 2020
She, with her experience in the Indian Premier League, and the resources of Reliance can be vital in shaping the emergence of women’s cricket in India. The major role, however, still rests on the Indian masses.
A student who enjoys studying cricket more than anything else, keen to learn the insights of the women’s game.
