THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

MUMBAI, MAY 24, 2026

The iconic Wankhede Stadium here transformed into a vibrant celebration of inclusion, joy and sporting passion on Sunday as more than 20,000 children from across Maharashtra gathered for Mumbai Indians’ annual Education and Sports for All (ESA) game, with Nita M Ambani expressing hope that every child would return home “with a lot of cherished memories.”

The sea of blue in the stands reflected the spirit of the ESA initiative, hosted by Mumbai Indians in partnership with Reliance Foundation and envisioned by Ambani. Children from diverse backgrounds, including visually impaired and specially-abled children, filled the stadium with chants, excitement and unmatched energy as they cheered for their cricketing heroes.

Speaking about the emotional atmosphere at the stadium, Ambani said, “First, I must say, look at the joy. The excitement here is so wonderful to experience. It is a very cherished day for all of us at Mumbai Indians. We started ESA by Reliance Foundation 16 years ago and inclusion has always been a part of our ethos.”

For the first time, 100 visually impaired children attended the ESA game along with hearing buddies, making the occasion even more special. Recalling the inspiration behind the initiative, Ambani shared, “I was visiting the National Association for the Blind. I have been working with those children for the last twenty years. This was just before the IPL season, and the children told me, ‘Nita Ma’am, can we please come for the MI match? We have never been to a stadium before and want to feel the excitement of a live match.’ So here they are today. Hundred of them. I hope they go back with cherished memories.”

Ambani, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, highlighted the broader sporting mission being pursued through Reliance Foundation’s initiatives across the country. “We have reached over 29 million children across 28 states of India through our sport and education initiatives. We work with children from the age of five all the way to the global stage, we provide coaching, sports science, and practice facilities. We have high performance centres not just in cricket, but across athletics, football, and many other sports. Our goal for India is a shared dream that all of us have, is to one day bring the Olympic Games to our country. It is the dream of a billion Indians,” she said.

This year’s ESA game witnessed participation from children associated with more than 40 NGO partners across Mumbai, Maharashtra and remote regions including Satara, Nashik, Valsad and Igatpuri. More than 200 specially-abled children and 100 visually impaired children attended the match, turning the event into one of the largest celebrations of inclusive sport in the country.

The scale of the initiative was supported by extensive logistical coordination. More than 550 BEST buses transported children safely across the city and neighbouring regions, while over 2,400 volunteers from NGOs, Reliance and Dhirubhai Ambani International School managed on-ground support. More than 100 medical personnel, 92,000 food boxes and dedicated coordination teams ensured smooth execution throughout the day. Mumbai Police deployed 550 traffic officers and over 450 police personnel to maintain seamless operations.

Over the last 16 years, Reliance Foundation’s education and sports initiatives have impacted more than 29 million children and young people across India, using sport and education as powerful tools for inclusion, aspiration and opportunity. The continued scale and impact of ESA reflects the community-driven spirit of Mumbai Indians’ #OneFamily philosophy, ensuring that every child feels valued, included and inspired.