Arjun Kapoor to bear expenses of 11yr old female cricketer till she turns 18; girl's father says he is godsend

Arjun Kapoor decided to help her financially as soon as he learned about her potential and difficulties from media reports. Anisha Rout, 11, aspires to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, and play professionally.

Hyderabad: Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor has turned into a real-life hero for an 11-year-old girl cricketer named Anisha Rout as he has come forward to sponsor her entire equipment cost till she turns 18. Anisha Rout travels 80 kms a day for eight hours for cricket training seven times a week, as she pursues her ambition to emulate her hero, Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, and become a professional player.

Anisha's father, Prabhat, who works as a supervisor is doing whatever it takes to give wind beneath her wings so that she can fulfill her dreams. However, he needs support to provide Anisha with all the best facilities and equipment so that she can give her best shot to play for India. Anisha's father Prabhat says, "As parents, we want the best for our child but training to become a world-class cricketer is expensive. Anisha wants to earn the India cap and bring glory to our country like Sachin Tendulkar."

He further added: "As a father, I need to empower her so that she can try to do that and become an inspiration for others like her for generations to come. This help from Arjun Kapoor is a godsend." "It takes a lot of load off my shoulders and I can't thank him enough. It is important for Anisha to get the best equipment as a cricketer and now she will have everything till she turns 18," Prabhat said. Residing in Panvel, Maharashtra, Anisha trains eight hours a day to chase her dream.

She was inspired to play cricket after watching the film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. At the age of 10, she played Under-15 Women's Cricket for Raigad District, Maharashtra. She has scored three half-centuries in her previous matches. Anisha is currently playing for MIG Club under 15. She opens the batting for her team. (IANS)