Nagpur: In a significant initiative to promote women’s cricket and provide talented female players an opportunity to showcase their skills at higher levels, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has organised the Mahapor Chashak (Mayor’s Trophy T20 Cricket Tournament) with great enthusiasm and fanfare. Initiated at the special instance of Mayor Neeta Thakre, the tournament is being held at Yashwant Stadium and will continue until November 8.
The tournament was inaugurated by Mayor Neeta Thakre in the presence of Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, ruling party leader Narendra (Balya) Borkar, Sports Special Committee Chairperson Darshani Dhawad, Corporator Vaishali Udapurkar and Sports Officer Dr Piyush Ambulkar, among other officials and staff members.
The inauguration witnessed an exciting and memorable moment when Mayor Thakre stepped onto the cricket field instead of limiting herself to the customary ceremonial proceedings. Holding a bat, she enthusiastically played powerful shots on the pitch, drawing cheers and applause from players and spectators alike. Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, Narendra Borkar and Darshani Dhawad also joined the sporting activity, enjoying both batting and bowling. Borkar, too, displayed his batting skills with some spirited strokes.
The enthusiastic participation of the Mayor and other civic office-bearers created an electrifying atmosphere at the stadium, winning the hearts of women cricketers and spectators. The ground echoed with applause as the dignitaries enjoyed the game and encouraged the participating players.
Mayor Thakre also presented the award to Player of the Match Aarzu Timma, recognising her outstanding performance.
A total of 120 players representing eight prominent women’s cricket teams from Nagpur are participating in the tournament. The teams have been divided into two groups, A and B, to compete for the coveted title.
The winning team will receive the championship trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 51,000. Individual awards have also been instituted to recognise exceptional performances, including Player of the Match, Player of the Series, Best Batter and Best Bowler.
The Player of the Match will receive a trophy and Rs 2,100, while the Player of the Series, Best Batter and Best Bowler will each be presented with a trophy and Rs 21,000.
The Mayor’s Trophy initiative is aimed at strengthening women’s participation in sports, identifying emerging cricketing talent and providing female players with a competitive platform to demonstrate their abilities and pursue opportunities at higher levels.
