Cricket, is unarguably the richest game in India, with Udaipur now taking its share on the Cricketing Map of India with players like Ashok Menaria and Dishant Yagnik outshining others at their peer level and playing for the country.  However, the sad affairs of Women Cricket is apparent in the City of Lakes as there is no training academy for Women Cricket in our land, causing the game to lose its charm when it comes to the fairer sex playing the game.

Presently, Udaipur is having a physical training academy, which is a private concern though.  A remarkable job is being done at the academy where overall sports training is being provided to around 700 girls.  50 girls which is less than 10percent of the trainess, have opted for Cricket.

The Bhupal Nobles Physical Training Academy at B.N campus, which is in operation from the past One year, formally started its operations a few months back.  They are providing the girls training in all the sports, both indoor and outdoor in their dedicated section for girls, at a nominal charge of Rs. 150 per month for B.N students and Rs. 300 for outsiders.

“More than 80% girls of Udaipur have been trained by us in our academy in the past 1 year out of which 6 have played at Inter University level and 4 represented the district in Cricket”, said Hitesh Rawat, Controller, B.N. Physical Academy.

While on the other hand another academy which was operating in Meera Girls College has been closed, due to less number of students.  As a result there is only one academy in town when it comes to sports training for women.

When UT asked Lakshya Raj Singh Mewar, President, Udaipur District Cricket Association (UDCA) about the initiative towards opening a dedicated academy for women, he replied, “the Association is thinking over the matter, as there are a few practical points to be considered”.

The major problem which is being faced by the UDCA is that girls normally enroll at college levels, and discontinue after passing out from college.

Manisha Rathod (23), student of MA (Previous) is playing from the past 4 years and aims to enroll herself in NICA, Punjab to gain progress in cricket, having played at University level.

“Sport is very important as it provides a platform, worth making it a career.  One can even get a job in any Government department on the basis of certificates won at various levels in sport,” said Manisha.

Chetna Dewda (19), a student of B.Com Second Year is playing cricket from the past 2 years and wants to make her future in the game.  She has also played at University level as well as represented the state in Cricket.

“Not only cricket, but games overall helps in keeping fit; teaches discipline, which is of utmost importance” said Chetna.

Sunidhi Jhala (20), a student of B.A Second Year is playing from the past 3 years, since she was in 12^th class and aims to join the Army.  Till date she has played at various levels including school and University.

“Game helps me in clearing CDAC exams; I have to join the Army and will continue playing in the Army,” said Sunidhi.