MUMBAI: The cricketing future just got brighter for 22 young girls across Uttar Pradesh. ITC Aashirvaad and UP Warriorz successfully wrapped up the Char Kadam Aage Cricket Camp in Lucknow, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower aspiring female cricketers. Over the past month, the programme trained budding talents from 11 districts, culminating in a thrilling grand finale where the best performers were selected to train with UP Warriorz senior players.
The initiative gave girls aged 10 to 16 a rare opportunity to receive professional coaching, refine their skills, and gain confidence in their cricketing dreams. With batting, bowling, fielding, and fitness drills, alongside interactive sessions like cricket quizzes and freestyle performances, the camp offered a complete learning experience.
At the grand finale, two outstanding performers from each district were selected in a celebratory event attended by ITC Aashirvaad, UP Warriorz dignitaries, and cricket stars Alana King, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, and Arushi Goel. The 22 winners now have an exclusive opportunity to train under the mentorship of UP Warriorz players and coaches, bridging the gap between grassroots talent and professional cricket.
The selected winners include Aarna Goswami and Nimisha Dixit from Noida, Vinita Baghel and Vaishnavi Pal from Agra, Riya Bhati and Kinjal Chaudhary from Meerut, Kavyaa Bhandoh and Isra Haq from Kanpur, Shagun Rana and Zafirah Ansari from Saharanpur, Azra Khatoon and Anvesha Yadav from Lucknow, Priya Yadav and Soni Yadav from Varanasi, Deeksha Yadav and Aradhya Singh from Jhansi, Qubba Aziz and Manvi Verma from Bareilly, Guddan Singh and Ananya from Firozabad, and Sanjana Ambedkar and Surbhi Bhatt from Gorakhpur.
“Aashirvaad is proud to see the tremendous participation received through this program. These young girls have demonstrated incredible commitment and passion towards the sport. We look forward to seeing them move forward as they train with UP Warriorz and pursue their dreams”, said ITC Ltd chief digital marketing officer (CDMO) Shuvadip Banerjee.
“We are immensely proud of each participant who stepped forward with ambition and determination. The journey doesn’t end here—it’s just the beginning for these young cricketers. We look forward to seeing them grow, excel, and one day, make the nation proud”, added UP Warriorz (Capri Sports) COO Kshemal Waingankar.
The success of Char Kadam Aage Cricket Camp highlights the growing popularity of women’s cricket in India. With initiatives like these, Aashirvaad and UP Warriorz continue to fuel the rise of female cricketers, ensuring that the next generation steps onto the pitch with confidence, skill, and a shot at greatness.
