A free hit at life for underprivileged: Gujarat’s ex-cricketer paves the way

Once in a while in sports, there comes a player who not only excels in their sport but also elevates the sport itself by being the torchbearer of positive changes on and off the field.

Talking to Gujarat Samachar was one such persona, Jigna Gajjar, the 41-year-old former district-level cricketer, who now coaches the underprivileged children in Ahmedabad.

Having played for Gujarat West Zone in her prime, Jigna decided to channel her passion for cricket into something more meaningful. In 2015, she opened a cricket academy that focuses on teaching underprivileged children in Chandkheda, less than six kilometres away from where Ahmedabad’s iconic Narendra Modi Stadium now stands.

The bustling area that anticipates the magnum-opus of the Cricket World Cup theatre, the India-Pakistan clash on Oct 14, and the tournament final as well. Talking about World Cup, Gajjar said, “I am following it, yes. It's a great opportunity for India, as well as Ahmedabad, that the world cup is being held here.”

“My favourites are India, of course. And I have admired the cricket New Zealand and South Africa have played throughout the years, so I am looking forward to them as the other semi-finalists.”

Association with Cricket

As Gajjar carried on, her love for cricket became more evident. “I was an avid sports and cricket enthusiast since childhood. My aspirations and talent in my initial career were not met with proper guidance or a platform to showcase my talent. But I continued my journey and now I want to give back to the sport, and always stay attached to it. I was a medium-pace bowler from 2003 to 2008, but post-marriage, the cricket career could not take off,” she said.

On difficulties in starting her cricket career, she says, “I didn’t have great exposure to opportunities and professional guidance to pursue my career. I didn’t receive any coaching till I reached college in 2003. After that, with hard work, I have reached here in my career.” 

She adds, “Even the women’s cricket team of India faced many challenges, but down the line, they achieved widespread recognition.”

The beginning of her coaching journey

Gajjar decided to take up the coaching course of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and her next cricketing dream was supported by her family who helped her turn this idea into reality.

For the past few years, Gajjar has been tirelessly managing the academy, providing a nurturing environment for young talents to flourish. Her academy has become a beacon of hope for children who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to proper training facilities, for some, she also provides cricket kits without any cost.

Gajjar mentioned that her aspiration for starting this academy is “to provide children with a level playing field to pursue their dreams”. 

“Just like how education, the amenities and materials for it can be free, cricket coaching, along with the facilities and gears could be free as well,” she says.

The academy’s history and working

After retiring from her career as a player, Gajjar took it upon herself to give back to the community.

She opened the academy in 2015 to nurture the young talent. Since its inception, the academy has produced promising young cricketers, who have gone on to represent inter-school and district-level contests.

On her coaching methodology, she says, “My primary focus is to enhance their cricketing skills, but I also instil important values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in them. I make sure they are provided with proper nutrition as well as the cricket equipment.”

She is currently coaching more than 50 children between the ages of 10 to 15.

Gajjar said, “Currently, there are children of rickshaw drivers, tea stall operators, peons, house helps, and caretakers in her academy. They also assist their parents and guardians at their jobs parallel to their cricket coaching.”

On selecting children for her cricket academy, she explained, “The selection of children is usually conducted from government-run schools which I carry out myself and hold trials for them. I recognise talented children who are interested in playing and approach them for proper cricket coaching. I also convince their parents for the same.”

Turning challenges into lessons

A grin appears on Gajjar’s face when asked about the challenges she faces with her initiative. She said, “Challenges are a part of life, and they help us gain an insight into the real world. I had to go through different challenges, whether it be as a player or as a coach.”

Starting this academy was a challenge in itself, on which, she says, “I was aware that starting this academy would be tough. I also wanted to maintain the top-level standards and provide proper nutrition. I initially faced several financial challenges. There were some challenges with the dedication and punctuality of my students, who were either hesitant or not serious about cricket coaching.”

She said, “I had to cultivate discipline, dedication and passion in the children.”

Jigna believes that cricket, or sports itself can elevate an individual in several aspects. Because of this, she aspires to pass on whatever she has gained through cricket till the farthest of ends.

“I am always thankful to cricket for giving me everything, and running this academy is my way of giving back to the sport whatever it has given me”, says Jigna, getting ready to get back to her academy as she spoke.

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