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MI's ESA Initiative To Light Up Wankhede With 19000 Underprivileged Kids In IPL Match vs LSG

Soumyajit Dutta

Nita Ambani at Wankhede [Source: MIpaltan/X]Nita Ambani at Wankhede [Source: MIpaltan/X]

The Mumbai Indians’ IPL clash against Lucknow Super Giants on April 27 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium will spotlight Education and Sports for All (ESA), an initiative led by Mrs. Nita M. Ambani. 

This annual marquee event, a cornerstone of the franchise’s IPL calendar, aims to empower underprivileged children through sports and education. Thousands of young attendees from Mumbai-based NGOs will fill the stadium, their enthusiasm creating an electric atmosphere. 

19,000 Young Fans to Experience IPL Magic At Wankhede

For many, this day marks their first live cricket experience, blending inspiration with joy as they interact with players and immerse themselves in the spirit of the game. Mrs. Nita M. Ambani emphasised the significance of the occasion, urging the team to perform their best. 

“Put up your best show for them. They wait for years in line to get to come and see one match. We give them food parcels – from the time they board the bus till the time they come here and they go back, so there are four meals a day that we provide for,” Nita stated. 

Reflecting on a poignant memory, Nita shared an emotional story of a little girl who visited to spectate the game at Wankhede.

“I was sitting in the stands with all of them, and this girl wasn’t eating much. She was picking at her food. I asked her why, and she said, ‘I’m saving it for my brother because he’s 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,” Nita Ambani concluded.

The stadium will host 19,000 children, including 200 with special needs, representing NGOs partnered with Reliance Foundation. 

Over the years, the foundation’s sports programs have reached 23 million youth nationwide, with ESA serving as a catalyst for nurturing dreams and bridging opportunities through cricket’s unifying power.

Meanwhile, Mumbai is gaining momentum in the league. Currently, in the 4th position, they are on a ride with four back-to-back wins and five victories from their 9 encounters. With 5 games left to go, the Hardik Pandya-led team is eyeing the playoff spot to grab the IPL trophy for the sixth time.