In a heartwarming blend of sports and social impact, Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched a thrilling win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. But beyond the scoreboard, the day belonged to the 19,000 children who filled the stands in a wave of blue — many experiencing a live cricket match for the very first time.
The occasion marked the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) Match, a flagship initiative of the Reliance Foundation, championed by MI owner Nita Ambani. The stadium pulsed with excitement as children from underprivileged backgrounds, including specially abled youth, cheered passionately for their home team.
“This is not just a match. It’s a celebration of hope, dreams and joy,” said Ambani, addressing the children. “Many of these kids are stepping into a stadium for the first time. The happiness on their faces says it all.”
A Day of Dreams and Determination
The MI victory — their 6th in 10 matches, placing them third on the IPL points table — was further sweetened by the unforgettable experience offered to the children. Ambani interacted personally with many of the young fans.
“One little girl told me she wants to become like Jasprit Bumrah. A young boy only wanted to shake hands with Rohit Sharma. These small dreams matter — they can lead to big futures,” she said.
Highlighting the core philosophy of ESA, Ambani emphasized that sports and education go hand in hand in shaping a child’s future.
“Children learn as much on the sports field as they do in classrooms. ESA stands for giving every child a chance to dream, to learn, to grow.”
Massive Effort, Unmatched Impact
The scale of the initiative was awe-inspiring:
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19,000 children from across Mumbai
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500 buses mobilized for transportation
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100,000 meals served throughout the day
The ESA matchday — a logistical feat — showcased the deep commitment of the Reliance Foundation to inclusivity and empowerment through sport.
Launched in 2010, the ESA initiative has reached over 23 million children across India, offering access to sports, education, and life-changing experiences.
A Legacy Beyond Cricket
As the Mumbai Indians celebrated their on-field success, the greater victory was evident in the stands — in the eyes of children who discovered a new world, in dreams sparked by the roar of a stadium, and in the belief that they, too, can shine.
For the Mumbai Indians, the ESA match remains more than tradition — it’s a mission.
“This is MI’s favourite day of the season,” Ambani concluded. “Because this day belongs to the children — to their dreams and their future.”
