The Wankhede Stadium was filled with an extraordinary wave of energy and joy as the Mumbai Indians welcomed 19,000 underprivileged children for the annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) match against Lucknow Super Giants. The ESA initiative, a flagship program of Reliance Foundation in collaboration with Mumbai Indians, has been dedicated to making education and sports accessible to children from all backgrounds since its launch in 2010.
Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, was present at the event and interacted with the children. Speaking about what makes the ESA match a favourite among players and fans alike, she said, “This is not just a match. It is a celebration of hope, of dreams and joy. It is MI’s favourite matchday for the entire season. Just look at the atmosphere, 19,000 children, all of them coming from underprivileged backgrounds, some of them specially abled. For most of them, this is the first time in a stadium to see a live match. It is really overwhelming to see how the children are enjoying themselves. Many of the boys who play for the Mumbai Indians and India come from very humble backgrounds. This is also an inspiration for them that they can dream and be what they want to be."
During her interactions with the children, Mrs. Ambani shared touching moments that reflected the dreams and aspirations the initiative aims to nurture. “One of the little girls said she wants to become like Bumrah, and one boy just wants to shake hands with Rohit Sharma. If their hopes and aspirations can be fulfilled, they can reach the stars,” she said.
Highlighting the core philosophy behind ESA, Mrs. Ambani added, “At the heart of ESA is Education and Sports for All. I think children learn as much in a classroom as in a sports field. I think today’s a day of dreams and hopes. Maybe one of them can become a Harmanpreet, someone can become a Rohit Sharma. This is to tell the parents also, let the children make their choices.”
The scale of the initiative is as impressive as its spirit. Elaborating on the efforts involved, Mrs. Ambani said, "19,000 children, 500 buses and 1,00,000 meals. There’s a lot of joy that they’re taking home from here."
The ESA Match has grown into more than just an annual event; it has become a powerful symbol of inclusion, aspiration, and the transformative power of sports. The initiative is closely aligned with Reliance Foundation’s broader vision to empower young minds and provide opportunities for children to learn, play, and dream.
Beyond the ESA match day, Reliance Foundation continues to drive educational, sports, and cultural programs across the country. Since its inception, the Foundation’s sports initiatives have touched the lives of over 23 million children and youth, with ESA playing a significant role in nurturing both talent and ambition.
The atmosphere at Wankhede on ESA day was a testament to the power of dreams — a day where sport became a bridge to opportunity, and where thousands of children found new inspiration to reach for the stars.
