A group of young girls from Badnu, a village in Rajasthan, is making its mark in cricket after overcoming social and financial barriers to compete at state and national-level tournaments. Backed by Avaada Foundation, the girls have won state titles, secured national medals and earned opportunities to participate in trials for the Delhi Capitals Women’s Premier League team.
Avaada Foundation, the social impact arm of Avaada Group, has been supporting the Rajasthan State-Level Under-17 and Under-19 Girls’ Cricket Teams from Badnu for the past two years and has renewed the partnership for a third consecutive year. The initiative extends beyond sponsorship, with the Foundation supporting rural sporting talent while helping girls pursue their sporting and educational aspirations.
The journey has now been captured in Avaada’s latest campaign, 'Badnu Ke Champions: Ghoonghat Se Helmet Tak.' The campaign follows the transformation of the young cricketers as they challenge social conventions and pursue their ambitions through sport. The move from the ghoonghat to the cricket helmet is positioned as a symbol of growing confidence and the freedom to pursue aspirations beyond traditional boundaries.
As part of the initiative, the Foundation covers expenses related to travel, accommodation, food and nutrition, sports kits, shoes, cricket equipment, tournament fees and practice facilities. It also provides logistical support, study materials and educational expenses to help ensure that financial constraints do not come in the way of the players’ progress.
The support has translated into results on the field. Seven girls from Badnu played a key role in helping the Bikaner team win the district-level tournament as well as the 69th Rajasthan State-Level Cricket Tournament, securing the Rajasthan state championship title.
Kanchan, one of the players, went on to represent Rajasthan at the National Championship in Rohtak, Haryana, where her contribution helped the team secure a Silver Medal.
The Under-19 team also performed strongly at the state-level tournament in Balotra, Barmer. Six players from Badnu contributed to the team’s run to the runner-up position, helping it qualify for the National Championship in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh.
Sarita was named the tournament’s Best Bowler and subsequently represented Rajasthan at the national level. Sangeeta went on to win a Bronze Medal at the national level, while Kanchan secured a Silver Medal.
The players have also received exposure to professional cricket. Five young cricketers from Badnu were selected to participate in trials for an opportunity to serve as net bowlers for the Delhi Capitals Women’s Premier League team. The trials marked another step in their journey from village and school grounds to a professional sporting platform.
Commenting on the initiative, Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group, said, “At Avaada, we believe that sport can be a powerful catalyst for inclusion, confidence and social change, particularly for young girls in rural communities. The journey of Badnu’s daughters is a powerful reflection of what becomes possible when talent is given the right platform, encouragement and opportunity. Our vision is to help create an environment where girls are free to dream, compete and aspire without the barriers of circumstance defining their potential. Supporting women in sport, therefore, is not just about creating champions; it is about nurturing confidence, leadership and a generation of young women who believe they can shape their own future.”
Ritu Patwari, Director and CSR Head, Avaada Foundation, said, “My association with the girls of Badnu has been deeply personal. Having seen their journey closely at the grassroots, I have witnessed not only their talent on the cricket field, but also the determination, confidence and courage with which they have overcome social and financial barriers. At Avaada Foundation, we believe that when a young girl is given the opportunity to pursue her passion, the impact extends far beyond sport. Our endeavour has been to stand beside these girls through their journey, encourage their ambitions and help create the environment they need to grow. Seeing the daughters of Badnu progress from village grounds to state and national platforms is immensely fulfilling, and I hope their journey inspires many more girls across rural India to dream without limits.”
