BHOPAL: Every time cricketer Sowmya Tiwari puts on her pads, she silently looks around and tells herself that the day she earns even a little money from cricket, she will start helping those who can't even buy a bat, let alone train. Ta. She was 11 years old at the time.
Sowmya, a rising star who is now 18 years old, kept her promise. The all-round batsman is using the prize money and match fees she earned from winning the World T20 to sponsor budding cricketers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
BCCI recently awarded the Sowmya Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy to the country's best junior female cricketer.
“In the process of getting to the stage where I am standing today, I realized that there were a lot of talented players who had to drop out. They couldn't play anymore because their families couldn't support them. Before, whenever I started a game, I promised myself that if I was earning money, I would help such players,'' Sowmya told TOI on Thursday.
“When I told my coach Chenani about it, he was very happy and said he would help me find such a player. Several cricketers approached me. So, we have arranged kits and other support for them,” said Sowmya, a Class XII student.
Chenani said he is currently sponsoring an orphan girl who is training with him. Chenani said, “What she is doing is very inspiring. She has announced that she can sponsor five athletes. Any athlete who needs help can meet me or Sowmya. We will keep it confidential.” .
Sowmya started training at the age of 11 under coach Suresh Chenani at Alera Cricket Academy in Bhopal. Within a year, she was promoted to Bhopal's top team in her division. At the age of 13, she became a member of MP's U-19 team and was also a member of the state's U-23 team.
She made her debut for MP Seniors at the age of 15 and captained the girls U-16 Central Zone team to victory in 2019. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Tournament trophy.
Sowmya scored a century in the Challenger Trophy in 2021 while representing India C in the women's U-19 group. In 2022, she led the MP Women's U-19 team to victory in the domestic T20 tournament as captain. Later, BCCI appointed Soumya as the captain of India A.
She was the vice-captain of the Indian team during the five-match series against New Zealand in Mumbai.
She played a key role in India's maiden Women's World Cup victory in 2023. Then, from August to September 2023, Sowmya was appointed vice-captain of the Asia Emerging Cup and she played a key role in the Asia Cup in Hong Kong, where India finished as runners-up. In 2023, Sowmya was appointed as the captain of the MP Women's U-23 team and she led the team to victory in the National T-20 Tournament on December 31st.
Sowmya, a rising star who is now 18 years old, kept her promise. The all-round batsman is using the prize money and match fees she earned from winning the World T20 to sponsor budding cricketers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
BCCI recently awarded the Sowmya Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy to the country's best junior female cricketer.
“In the process of getting to the stage where I am standing today, I realized that there were a lot of talented players who had to drop out. They couldn't play anymore because their families couldn't support them. Before, whenever I started a game, I promised myself that if I was earning money, I would help such players,'' Sowmya told TOI on Thursday.
“When I told my coach Chenani about it, he was very happy and said he would help me find such a player. Several cricketers approached me. So, we have arranged kits and other support for them,” said Sowmya, a Class XII student.
Chenani said he is currently sponsoring an orphan girl who is training with him. Chenani said, “What she is doing is very inspiring. She has announced that she can sponsor five athletes. Any athlete who needs help can meet me or Sowmya. We will keep it confidential.” .
Sowmya started training at the age of 11 under coach Suresh Chenani at Alera Cricket Academy in Bhopal. Within a year, she was promoted to Bhopal's top team in her division. At the age of 13, she became a member of MP's U-19 team and was also a member of the state's U-23 team.
Expanding
She made her debut for MP Seniors at the age of 15 and captained the girls U-16 Central Zone team to victory in 2019. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Tournament trophy.
Sowmya scored a century in the Challenger Trophy in 2021 while representing India C in the women's U-19 group. In 2022, she led the MP Women's U-19 team to victory in the domestic T20 tournament as captain. Later, BCCI appointed Soumya as the captain of India A.
She was the vice-captain of the Indian team during the five-match series against New Zealand in Mumbai.
She played a key role in India's maiden Women's World Cup victory in 2023. Then, from August to September 2023, Sowmya was appointed vice-captain of the Asia Emerging Cup and she played a key role in the Asia Cup in Hong Kong, where India finished as runners-up. In 2023, Sowmya was appointed as the captain of the MP Women's U-23 team and she led the team to victory in the National T-20 Tournament on December 31st.
