On March 8th, the world commemorates International Women’s Day, a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women throughout history and across the globe. This year, the United Nations is rallying for everyone to “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” emphasizing the pivotal role women play in creating a better world for all. However, it’s not merely about financial investment; it’s about holistic support and empowerment.
Sachin Tendulkar, the cricketing icon, shared a poignant message on this special day. Reflecting on the rise of women in sports, he recounted a touching moment from 2008 when India’s victory over England after the 26/11 attacks brought the nation together. Tendulkar fondly recalled sharing that emotional moment with a female ground staff member, underscoring the profound impact women have in sports and beyond.
Highlighting a recent milestone, Tendulkar celebrated Jacintha Kalyan’s achievement as India’s first female pitch curator in 2024, heralding her as a trailblazer and hoping for many more to follow in her footsteps.
Over the years, the rise of women in sport, in India and across the world, has been very encouraging.
In 2008, in the aftermath of 26/11, India won the match against England, and it was an emotional moment for the entire nation. One of the first people with whom I was able to… pic.twitter.com/lw0lbRT5hy
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 8, 2024
Tendulkar also praised the importance of national players participating in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. He emphasized how such involvement not only raises the overall standard of the tournament but also provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills. Tendulkar lauded the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to mandate centrally contracted players’ participation in domestic red-ball cricket, citing it as an opportunity for players to refine their fundamentals and inspire younger generations.
Drawing from his own experiences, Tendulkar reminisced about his passion for representing Mumbai in domestic cricket, where he had the privilege of playing alongside several Indian cricket stars. He highlighted the camaraderie and learning opportunities such experiences afforded him, underscoring the importance of nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
