Yuvraj Singh Offers Scholarship to 4-Year-Old Cricket Prodigy Rishika from Kolkata
11.07.2024: Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has extended his support to a young cricketing sensation, Rishika, a 4-year-old girl from Kolkata. Rishika’s exceptional talent with the cricket bat recently went viral on social media, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Yuvraj Singh Recognizes Rishika’s Talent
Yuvraj Singh, renowned for his contributions to Indian cricket, was impressed by Rishika’s batting skills showcased in a viral video. The video, featuring Rishika playing cricket with her father in the Newtown area of Kolkata, highlighted her advanced technique, which drew praise from fans and professionals. Inspired by her potential, Yuvraj decided to offer her a scholarship to nurture her budding talent.
Scholarship Announcement
During the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match in the United States, Yuvraj Singh announced that he would finance Rishika’s education and cricket training at the Merlin Rise Yuvraj Singh’s Centre of Excellence (YSCE) in Kolkata. The formal ceremony to award the scholarship marked a significant milestone in Rishika’s young career.
Yuvraj Singh’s Commitment to Nurturing Talent
Expressing his admiration for Rishika, Yuvraj Singh said, “The Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence at Merlin Rise, Kolkata, is committed to nurturing young cricketing talent. Cricket talent has always been ahead in Bengal, and we are giving this special scholarship to talent like Rishika Sarkar. I have seen videos of her playing cricket and believe she is very talented at such a young age. Some of her shots moved me. We will assist her in her training at our High-Performance Training Center at YSCE, and our coaches will help her hone her talent further.”
Support from YSCE and Merlin Rise
Indian cricketer and YSCE Head Coach Satyendra Singh echoed Yuvraj’s sentiments, stating, “It was a raw and inborn talent. We hope we can help her and ensure her future is bright.” Rishika will receive coaching three days a week at YSCE, with coaches providing personalized training to enhance her skills. Additionally, Merlin Rise and Club Pavilion, The Sports Club at Merlin Rise, will provide nutritious meals tailored to Rishika’s dietary needs.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite living in challenging conditions, Rishika’s determination and passion for cricket remain undeterred. Her father, Rajeev Sarkar, has been instrumental in her training, coaching her daily and nurturing her talent. Yuvraj Singh further showed his support by gifting Rishika a signed cricket bat, a symbol of encouragement for her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Future Prospects
YSCE will monitor Rishika’s progress regularly and provide opportunities for her to participate in future matches. Merlin Group will also identify a nearby school and cover all expenses for her further education, ensuring that Rishika’s journey in cricket and academics is well-supported.
Yuvraj Singh’s initiative not only highlights the potential of young talent like Rishika but also underscores the importance of providing opportunities and support to nurture future cricketing stars.