Mayor Nita Thakre bats at inauguration of women's T20 cricket tournament in Nagpur

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has organised the 'Mayor Cup T20 Cricket Competition' for women players. The aim is to give women players a proper chance to show the sporting talent in them and an opportunity to play at a higher level. Started on the special initiative of Mayor Nita Thakre, the competition will run at the city's Yashwant Stadium till November 8.

Mayor Nita Thakre inaugurated the competition. Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare, leader of the ruling party Narendra (Balya) Borkar, Sports Special Committee chairperson Darshani Dhawad, corporator Vaishali Udapurkar and sports officer Dr Piyush Ambulkar were present. Other officials and employees also attended.

After the inauguration, the players saw a spirited sight. Mayor Thakre did not limit herself to performing the ritual puja. She walked straight onto the ground and took up a bat. In front of the other office-bearers and players, she hit the ball hard on the cricket pitch.

Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare, ruling party leader Narendra (Balya) Borkar and Sports Special Committee chairperson Darshani Dhawad also enjoyed bowling and batting with her. Borkar also played some strong shots. The players' style of the mayor and the other office-bearers won over the women players and spectators in the stadium, and applause filled the premises. The mayor and the other office-bearers then enjoyed the match for some time.

The Man of the Match award was presented by the mayor to Aarju Timma. A total of 120 players from eight well-known women's cricket teams in the city have registered for the competition. All the teams have been divided into two groups, A and B.

The winning team will receive the trophy and Rs 1 lakh, while the runners-up will get Rs 51,000. Awards will also be given for individual performances: Man of the Match, Man of the Series, best batter and best bowler. The Man of the Match will receive a memento and Rs 2,100. The Man of the Series, best batter and best bowler will each receive a memento and Rs 2,100.