UNICEF-ICC Trophy Walk in Indore highlights aspirations, strength and potential of girls to achieve dreams

Special Correspondent

NewsBits.in

INDORE: The excitement of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 reached new heights at Holkar Stadium, Indore, as a ceremonial Trophy Walk was held at the start of the highly anticipated India-England match in Indore on October 19.

UNICEF India Youth Advocate Gauranshi Sharma and young climate leader Harshita Jain participated in the ceremonial walk along with Anil Gulati, Chief, Field Office (a.i.) of UNICEF, Madhya Pradesh.  

The initiative, part of a longstanding UNICEF and International Cricket Council (ICC) partnership, aimed to amplify messages on child rights, gender equality and the empowerment of girls through sport.

As the youngsters carried the trophy across the field, the gesture symbolized the aspirations, strength, and potential of every girl to achieve her dreams when given equal opportunities.  

Speaking at the event, Anil Gulati, Chief of Field Office (a.i.) UNICEF Madhya Pradesh said, “Sport has the power to inspire change, unite communities, and open pathways for girls and boys to realize their full potential. Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that every child, especially every girl, has the right to play, learn, and thrive.”  

The moment captured the spirit of inclusion and equality, which is at the heart of UNICEF’s collaboration with ICC. It also celebrated the achievements of young champions like Gauranshi, a Deaflympics gold medallist from Madhya Pradesh, and Harshita, an active child rights advocate, who continue to inspire children across the country to dream without barriers. 

ICC Cricket 4 Good Clinic

Building on this momentum, the ICC Cricket 4 Good Clinic was also held on October 23 in Indore with players from the South Africa team, bringing together 25 children from across Madhya Pradesh.

The participants represented Bharat Scouts and Guides, Baal Panchayats, Care Homes, and children from Indore and Dhar. The clinics, linked to the ICC-UNICEF World Cup initiative, aimed to promote child rights, gender equality, and inclusion through the spirit of cricket.

Laura Wolvaardt, Captain, Chloe Tryon, All-rounder and Sinalo Jafta, wicket keeper were some of the member of South African Cricket Team who participated in the clinic. 

Children participated in on-field coaching sessions, teamwork exercises, and interactive discussions focused on life skills, leadership, health, and equal opportunities.

The sessions were designed to build confidence and encourage children, especially girls, to pursue sports and education with equal enthusiasm. Cricket-based activities also reinforced cooperation, discipline, communication, and respect, demonstrating the values sport can bring to all aspects of life.  

Anil Gulati, Chief, Field Office (a.i.) UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, Govind Beniwal, Child Protection Officer UNICEF and officials from ICC and State Association attended the clinic, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting child-focused and gender-inclusive programmes.

The event served as a vibrant platform for collaboration among children, development partners, and government representatives. One participant from

Dhar district noted that team games taught trust and cooperation, while others said the sessions strengthened their confidence and leadership skills.