IPL 2025: 'It is a celebration of hope, of dreams and of joy' - Nita Ambani on What Makes ESA Day MI's Favourite Match

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Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) dedicated their IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the historic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 27) for Education and Sports for All (ESA).

Hardik Pandya-led MI secured their fifth win in a row, beating LSG in front of a sea of blue as over 19,000 kids from across the city packed out the stadium with their exuberant cheers and rooted for their very own Mumbai Indians.

Following the match, the MI players alongside their ownership had a lap of appreciation thanking the kids, while Mrs. Nita M. Ambani spoke about what makes the annual ESA day match a huge favourite among the players.

"This is not just a match. It is a celebration of hope, of dreams and of 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," Mrs. Ambani was quoted as saying in a release.

"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 that play for Mumbai Indians and for India come from very humble backgrounds. This is also an inspiration for them that they can dream and be what they want to be."

Mrs. Ambani interacted with the kids who were overjoyed to meet her. Providing a peak into her interactions with the kids, she said, "One of the little girls said she wants to become like Bumrah and one boy, he just wants to shake hands with Rohit Sharma. If their hopes and aspirations can be fulfilled, they can reach the stars."

Calling the experience 'a cherished memory for their lifetime' for the kids, Mrs. Ambani also explained the thought behind the initiative, saying, "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."

Talking about the efforts behind the scenes and the key takeaways for the kids, 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."

ESA, a flagship initiative of Reliance Foundation (the CSR arm of Reliance Industries Limited) in collaboration with Mumbai Indians, was launched in 2010 with the vision of making education and sports accessible to children from all backgrounds.

Each year, MI's one IPL match is designated as the ESA game, bringing to life the initiative's mission to empower young minds, inspire ambition, and instill the joy of sports and learning.

Over the years, ESA has become a symbol of inclusion and hope, echoing the dreams of India's youth. It is an embodiment of Reliance Foundation's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and grow.

In addition to the ESA Match, the initiative supports year-round activities that provide educational, sports, and cultural experiences to children from humble communities.

Since its inception, Reliance Foundation's sports initiatives have impacted the lives of over 23 million children and youth across India, with ESA playing a key role in nurturing both talent and aspiration. The ESA Match is more than just a game - it is a celebration of spirit, inclusion, and the unifying power of sport.