Daraz, the Official E-commerce Platform of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, has successfully concluded its youth empowerment activation where Daraz sponsored a full-expenses paid trip for three aspiring female cricket athletes from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal to Hangzhou to watch the Asian Games. By providing them with a unique opportunity to witness the Women’s cricket matches in person at the prestigious event, Daraz aims to contribute to the growth and empowerment of women in sports, bringing them one step closer to their dreams.
The road to becoming a professional cricket player is not an easy one, especially for women. Recognizing the potential and determination of female athletes in South Asia, Daraz took a significant step to support their aspirations and promote gender equality in sports. The selected athletes, Tharushi Fernando from Sri Lanka, Nuzhat Sabah from Bangladesh, and Khushi Dangol from Nepal, are such female athletes who are defying the odds to achieve their dreams and represent their nations on the international stage.
Through this initiative, Daraz provided these budding youth athletes with the opportunity to grow into professional cricket players by allowing them to witness international-level games and learn from the world’s best — opportunities that would have been otherwise inaccessible to them. This experience has also been one of self-discovery, as these young ladies learned a lot about themselves while being away from home for the very first time in Hangzhou, China.
| Tharushi Fernando, 18-year-old Sri Lankan cricket player training with the Sky Cricket & Sports Club, reflects on her experience, “ This experience marked the beginning of many unforgettable firsts: my very first time taking a plane, travelling out of Sri Lanka, and more. But what truly left a mark on me was being able to watch the Sri Lankan cricket team in action – it was so inspiring to watch my country win the semi-finals match, to eventually compete in the finals and receive a silver medal at the award ceremony at the games. I cannot thank Daraz enough for this opportunity, which turned into a journey of self-discovery, inspiration, and a reaffirmation of my passion for cricket.”. |
| Khushi Dangol, a 21-year-old Nepali cricket player, reflects on her experience, saying, “This opportunity was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I cannot thank Daraz and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) enough for nominating me. I learned so much on this trip: about different cultures from people all over the world, how to be independent during my first solo trip, and, of course, about cricket. Being able to watch the games played live at an international level inspired me greatly and motivated me to dream bigger. I firmly believe that you can achieve anything as long as you put your heart and mind into it, and I look forward to working even harder to become a better cricket player.” |
| Nuzhat Sabah Firdaus, 23-year-old local academy cricket player from Bangladesh, reflects on her experience, saying, “I tried so many new things for the first time and learned a great deal about myself and others on this trip. It was also my first time watching the women’s cricket matches in person. I gained invaluable insights into the game itself, things I wouldn’t have learned by simply watching it on television – which I believe will help me improve my skills as a cricket player. Thank you, Daraz, for this incredible opportunity!”. |
Cheryl Ang, Group Chief Marketing Officer shares, “Daraz was started eight years ago to uplift communities through the power of commerce, and today, our mission remains unchanged. Daraz recognises the significance of supporting aspiring athletes and promoting women’s cricket at an international level, and aims to lead the charge in representing South Asia on a global stage. It’s heartening to see how this experience has made a lasting impact on the lives of these three young ladies, and witness how they bonded over their mutual love for cricket. This has only further cemented our resolve to support more initiatives that empower the greater South Asian community, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.”
As part of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Daraz is dedicated to supporting sports and cultural initiatives and uplifting South Asian communities. This initiative is just one of many steps towards that vision, and Daraz remains committed to uplifting and championing underserved communities in the region.
