Sandy Verma
Tezzbuzz|27-04-2025
Mumbai, April 26, 2025 — Mumbai Indians’ match against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium, will be a special tribute to the “Education and Sports for All” (ESA) initiative, led by Mrs. Nita M. Ambani. This annual ESA game, a flagship event during the IPL season, is set to host around 19,000 children from various NGOs, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures for both the team and its fans.
Ahead of the ESA Day celebration, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani addressed the Mumbai Indians team, urging them to make the match unforgettable for the young audience.
“This is a very special game — you can be the inspiration for thousands of children,” she said.
Emphasizing the event’s significance, she shared an emotional story of a young girl saving her cake for her brother during a previous ESA Day, symbolizing the spirit of hope and resilience the initiative fosters.She added, “They wait for years in line to come and see one match. You can show them that they can be whatever they dream to be.”
The Wankhede Stadium will be transformed into a sea of blue and gold as 19,000 spirited children, including 200 children with special needs, will cheer for their heroes.
For most, it will be their first-ever live match experience — a momentous occasion they are likely to cherish for life.The match aims to showcase the unifying power of sports and the joy it brings to children from all walks of life. The event stands as a powerful reminder that with encouragement and opportunity, dreams know no boundaries.
Launched in 2010, ESA is a flagship initiative of the Reliance Foundationthe CSR arm of Reliance Industries Limited, in collaboration with Mumbai Indians.
The mission is to make education and sports accessible to children across all sections of society.Since its inception, ESA has become a symbol of inclusion and empowerment, with Reliance Foundation’s broader sports initiatives impacting over 23 million children and youth across India.
The program runs year-round activities beyond the ESA Match, offering educational, cultural, and sporting experiences to nurture aspirations and talents.This annual ESA Match is not just a cricket game — it is a celebration of inclusion, ambition, and the spirit of India’s youth.