Mumbai, Jan 22 (NationPress) Defending champions Shardashram Vidyamandir kicked off their campaign with a victory as the Mumbai Indians inaugurated the fifth season of MI Junior, their inter-school cricket tournament, on Wednesday in their hometown under the Education and Sports for All (ESA) initiative. The tournament is being held in collaboration with the Mumbai Cricket Association and the Vidarbha Cricket Association, with the Nagpur segment set to commence next week.

On the first day of competition, Shardashram Vidyamandir emerged victorious against Sister Nivedita in the U-15 Girls’ division. The team from Dadar displayed a dominant performance, overcoming Sister Nivedita School from Dombivli at the Matunga Gymkhana Ground. Chasing a target of 81 runs, Shardashram clinched victory in merely 8 overs.

Vaidai Tanavade was the standout player, scoring a rapid 38 runs with seven boundaries. Kartika Poojary also shone with an impressive all-around performance, contributing 20 runs and taking several wickets. On the other hand, Sister Nivedita faced challenges with the bat, accumulating only 80 runs, with Swara Surve being the top scorer for Dombivli with a spirited 28 runs.

Past editions of MI Junior have been vital in offering quality competition at iconic venues for aspiring cricketers in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

The tournament will see participation from both boys and girls in the Boys U14, Girls U15, and Boys U16 categories. The opening ceremony took place at the Matunga Gymkhana on Wednesday, attended by officials from the Mumbai Cricket Association.

Among the exciting new features this season is the ‘MI Junior Rising Stars’ segment, which will follow the regular competition phase. After the season concludes, the top talents from the boys' and girls' categories will advance to this phase. The second stage will consist of four teams in the boys' division and two in the girls' division, determined by player performances during the MI Junior 2025 season.

As in previous years, the tournament winners will have the opportunity to join a training session aimed at providing exposure, enhancing skills, and preparing them for the next level of their cricketing journey, supported by the Mumbai Indians coaching staff. MI Junior is among the numerous initiatives led by the Reliance Foundation (the CSR arm of RIL) aimed at grassroots development under the Education and Sports for All (ESA) program, which seeks to create opportunities and inspire youth through sports and education.