Mumbai Indians Celebrate Education and Sports for All Day with 19,000 Kids

A Day of Joy at Wankhede Stadium

On April 28, the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as the Mumbai Indians faced off against the Lucknow Super Giants. The stands were filled with over 19,000 enthusiastic children from various parts of the city, all cheering passionately for their beloved Mumbai Indians.

Nita M Ambani highlighted the significance of the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) day match, stating, “This event transcends a mere game; it embodies a celebration of hope, dreams, and happiness. It is the most cherished matchday for MI throughout the season. Just observe the joy among these 19,000 children, many from underprivileged backgrounds, including some who are specially abled. For numerous kids, this marks their first experience in a stadium witnessing a live match. It’s truly heartwarming to see their excitement. Many players for Mumbai Indians and the national team hail from modest beginnings, serving as an inspiration that they too can aspire to achieve their dreams,” as reported by a release from the Reliance Foundation.

During her interactions with the children, Nita Ambani noted their delight in meeting her. She shared, “One little girl expressed her desire to emulate Bumrah, while a boy simply wanted to shake hands with Rohit Sharma. If we can help fulfill their dreams, they can reach for the stars.”

Describing the experience as a 'treasured memory for a lifetime' for the children, Nita Ambani elaborated on the initiative's purpose, saying, “At the core of ESA is the belief that education and sports should be accessible to all. Children gain as much knowledge on the sports field as they do in classrooms. Today symbolizes dreams and aspirations. Perhaps one of these kids will grow up to be a Harmanpreet or a Rohit Sharma. This is also a message to parents: allow your children to pursue their passions.”

Discussing the logistics and the positive impact on the children, she added, “We brought together 19,000 children, organized 500 buses, and provided 100,000 meals. They are taking home immense joy from this experience.”

The ESA initiative, a flagship program of the Reliance Foundation in partnership with Mumbai Indians, was established in 2010 with the aim of making education and sports accessible to children from all walks of life. Each year, one IPL match is designated as the ESA game, reinforcing the initiative's mission to empower youth, inspire ambition, and promote the joy of sports and learning.

Over the years, ESA has emerged as a beacon of inclusion and hope, resonating with the aspirations of India's youth. It reflects the Reliance Foundation's conviction that every child deserves the chance to learn, play, and thrive. Beyond the ESA Match, the initiative supports ongoing activities that offer educational, sports, and cultural experiences to children from underprivileged communities.

Since its launch, the Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives have positively influenced the lives of over 23 million children and youth across India, with ESA playing a pivotal role in fostering both talent and ambition.

In the match itself, Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding four-wicket haul, complemented by Trent Boult's three-wicket performance, led the Mumbai Indians to a 55-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, marking their fifth win in the ongoing Indian Premier League.