Samaveshi cup 2025: Growing equality like trees in our villages

In Harda, Khandwa, Guna, and Barwani, a quiet revolution is taking shape. The Samaveshi Cup, an inclusive cricket tournament, is back for its second phase—bringing social change. But this isn’t just about cricket. It’s about breaking old gender rules, empowering young girls, and creating a sense of equality in these communities.

The Samaveshi Cup started as a small dream. Two girls from Synergy Sansthan’s changemakers program wanted to play cricket with a leather ball. What began as a simple wish turned into a major movement. The first phase helped boys and girls play together, breaking barriers and changing mindsets. Now, in its second phase, the event is expanding to more villages and districts, bringing more people into the movement.

Cricket has been popular in rural India, but seen as a "boys' game." The Samaveshi Cup is changing that. With 102 mixed-gender teams, including 816 girls and 510 boys, the tournament shows that leadership and opportunity belong to everyone. Girls are stepping up as captains, and boys are learning to play under their leadership. This is a small but important step toward real gender equality.

The matches run from January 3-10, 2025, with finals on January 14, 2025. For many participants, this tournament is not just about winning trophies. It’s about building confidence, learning leadership skills, and changing social attitudes about what girls can do.

The tournament is changing lives. Kavita, a 17-year-old from Barwani, used to be shy and never left home alone. Today, she's leading her team in the Samaveshi Cup, playing with confidence. Watching her, her father admitted, "I never thought my daughter could do this."

Rahul from Guna had never played on a team led by a girl before. Initially hesitant, he now understands the importance of gender equality. "Playing under a female captain has been an eye-opener. It made me realise how much we miss out when we don't give girls the same opportunities," he said.

The first phase of the Samaveshi Cup saw amazing performances. Pinki from Team Nimacha was named Player of the Series, scoring 39 runs and taking 4 wickets. Mansi from Team Khedipura was awarded Best Bowler for 3 wickets. Yuvraj from Team Sirali was recognised as Best Keeper, and Abhishek from Team Undhal won Best Fielder. A highlight was Pooja’s boundary-line catch in the final, earning her the Best Catch award.

This tournament is about more than just the players. It has united the community. Parents who once discouraged their daughters from playing sports now cheer for them. Schools, teachers, and local leaders have also come forward to support the event.

The “Samaveshi Cup” is more than a cricket tournament; it’s a celebration of our community’s achievements. As we cheer for our teams this January, let’s celebrate our progress in creating a world where every child—regardless of gender—can dream, lead, and achieve.

Sonam from Harda said, “This isn’t just cricket for us. This is about proving the field belongs to everyone.”

As the first ball is bowled in Phase 2 of the “Samaveshi Cup,” remember: This isn’t just a game. It’s a revolution, and we’re all part of it.

With inputs from Shruti Thakur

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