Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, when addressing the areas that demand increased investment for the progression of women’s cricket, underscored the significance of focusing on the grassroots level. Mandhana emphasized the need to channel resources into nurturing talent at the foundational stages of women’s sports to foster interest and pave the way for more aspiring women cricketers.
Expressing her viewpoint, Mandhana commented, “The only thing that we could invest in is the grassroots level of women’s sport in general because a lot of interest is developed with the Indian Women’s team or the WPL tournament. Invest more so that we get a lot more women cricketers.”
In her insights into the global sporting arena, Mandhana drew inspiration from prominent women athletes, highlighting Alex Morgan’s contributions to women’s FIFA and recognizing Serena Williams for her monumental achievements in tennis. These international figures serve as motivation for Mandhana, reflecting the impact and influence women athletes can have across diverse sports.
The cricketer’s call for increased investment at the grassroots aligns with the broader narrative of nurturing talent from a young age, providing equal opportunities, and creating a robust foundation for women in sports. As women’s cricket continues to gain prominence and recognition globally, fostering talent at the grassroots level becomes pivotal for sustained growth and success.
Mandhana’s advocacy for grassroots investment echoes the sentiments of many in the sporting community, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to women’s sports development, ensuring a pipeline of talent that can contribute to the thriving landscape of women’s cricket.
