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RCB’s 12-Man Army smashes gender biases, elevates women’s cricket passion in India
Mumbai: Breaking gender biases, the passionate fanbase of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), also called the 12-man army, is offering India a first-ever glimpse of genuine fandom in women’s cricket by rallying in full force to support their team in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.
After the inaugural season of the WPL in Mumbai last year, the second edition of the league has expanded to two cities, with Bengaluru hosting the first eleven matches of the league stage before shifting to Delhi.
The M Chinnaswamy stadium, which is the home stadium of RCB has been witnessing an electrifying atmosphere as a staggering 30,000 cricket enthusiasts gathered to support the RCB Women’s team in most of their league matches played so far.
“I’m used to hearing them yell out Smriti’s name, so it’s sort of quite nice to hear that they’re calling my name. The crowds have been fantastic here. Everyone spoke about RCB fans and how good and passionate they are and it’s been unbelievable to witness that in person in the last couple of games. It’s certainly the loudest I’ve been involved in and to have that support’s been motivating for the whole group,” said The RCB Allrounder and legendary Kiwi cricketer Sophie Devine.
As per the recent ‘Indian Cricket Fandom Report 2024’ by YouGov, RCB enjoys consistent support across all age groups with support for the team notably being the strongest among Gen Z (18-24 years) at 38 per cent. The team enjoys 34 per cent support in the 25-34 age group, 31 per cent in the 35-44 age group, 33 per cent in the 45-54 age group, and 31 per cent in the 55+ age group.
The overwhelming support from the tribe has added a new dimension to the WPL experience, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encouragement for not just women cricketers but also is a huge boost and encouragement for the RCB team every time they step into the centre.
Sophie further added, “I think back to the start of my career and we were playing in front of ten people, do you know what I mean? And to have, I think, more than 25,000 here, just shows where the woman’s game gone. So proud to be a part of that.”
Such unprecedented turnout in women’s cricket also reflects the immense impact of RCB’s passionate yet conscious fanbase promoting inclusivity and equality.
Renuka Singh who had the crowd cheering every time she went with her fiery bowling spell said “it is an amazing feeling and gives a different level of momentum to all of us. I just love when they not only chant our name but show so much loyalty for RCB by coming to every game in such huge numbers, it just pumps us up during our game like anything.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
