2 hrs ago
Mixed-Gender Cricket Aims to Challenge Gender Stereotypes
The RISE Premier League is a cricket tournament where schoolgirls and boys play together.
Girl Rising says this gives young people a chance to experience fairness, not just hear about it.
Girls can take leadership roles, and boys can support their teammates as equals.
Himani Yadav became captain of her team after showing leadership at practice.
Shalini Kashyap took five wickets in a match and was named Player of the Match.
She said the cheering helped her feel proud and more confident.
The tournament builds on Girl Rising's lessons and a book called Kusum’s Adventurous Innings.
Its goal is to help young people question ideas about what girls and boys can do.
The RISE Premier League brings girls and boys from government schools together to play cricket.
Girl Rising Co-CEO Nidhi Shukla says the tournament lets adolescents experience gender equality through sport.
Class 12 student Himani Yadav became captain of Bhadi ke Blasters after her coach noticed her leadership.
Class 11 student Shalini Kashyap took five wickets and was named Player of the Match.
The tournament extends Girl Rising's RISE curriculum and the book Kusum’s Adventurous Innings.
- Who
- The RISE Premier League, Girl Rising Co-CEO Nidhi Shukla, and participating schoolgirls and boys.
- What
- A mixed-gender cricket tournament intended to give adolescents equal opportunities to participate, lead and compete.
- Where
- The tournament involves students from government schools; the featured students are from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
- When
- The article is dated October 10, 2026; it does not specify when the tournament took place.
- Why
- Girl Rising says shared play and leadership can help adolescents question gender stereotypes and experience equality.
Viewpoint supporting the initiative
Alternative viewpoint
How to address gender stereotypes
Viewpoint supporting the initiative
Nidhi Shukla says mixed-gender cricket gives adolescents practical experience of equality, shared responsibility and girls' leadership.
Alternative viewpoint
The article does not present a contrasting viewpoint or criticism of the tournament.
Key facts
- Tournament
- RISE Premier League (RPL), a mixed-gender cricket tournament
- Participants
- Girls and boys from government schools
- Associated organization
- Girl Rising
- Curriculum and book
- The tournament extends Girl Rising's RISE curriculum and the book Kusum’s Adventurous Innings.
- Himani Yadav
- A Class 12 student from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, appointed captain of Bhadi ke Blasters
- Shalini Kashyap
- A Class 11 student from Bilaspur who took five wickets and was named Player of the Match
- Article date and dateline
- Mumbai, October 10, 2026
Quotes
Shalini Kashyap
Class 11 student from Bilaspur who played in the RISE Premier League
“When I saw my teammates and everyone cheering for me, I felt proud of myself. It gave me more confidence to believe that I can do well when I take up an opportunity.”
freepressjournal.in
“Girls get to lead and play, boys get to participate as allies, and both experience what becomes possible when traditional expectations are challenged.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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