Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 22 : A friendly cricket match, the TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Cricket Match, held at Mumbai's MCA Cricket Ground, brought together politicians and actors to raise awareness about Tuberculosis (TB).
The event, organised by former Union Sports Minister and Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur, was aimed at educating the public about the growing TB threat in India and encouraging collective action for a TB-free India.
Actors Sohail Khan and Kichcha Sudeepa expressed their appreciation for Anurag Thakur's initiative.
While speaking to the media, Sohail said, "The match is played between netas and abhinetas (politicians and actors), well-known people of our country who can influence the audience, so this is a big initiative by Anurag ji.TB is spreading very fast in our country, so to stop it and spread awareness about it, politicians and actors play this game."
Kichcha Sudeepa echoed his sentiments, saying, "It is a great initiative."
The friendly match between Neta XI and Abhineta XI was held under the 'TB-Free India' movement. Anurag Thakur had previously shared his excitement for the match, stating, "Neta XI vs Abhineta XI match is being held for awareness. We will play matches in every corner of the country for TB Free India in 2025."
Actor Suniel Shetty also participated in a unique initiative to spread awareness about Tuberculosis (TB). Thakur expressed gratitude to Shetty for joining the TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Cricket Match.
He added, "I thank the actors, along with Suniel Shetty, who have joined this initiative. To take the resolution of TB Free India and forward the message to the public.... we will play against each other irrespective of political parties, region, languages as country comes first for everyone... 'TB haarega Bhaarat jeetega'."
Suniel Shetty added, "This is a very good initiative...Anurag Thakur always participates in such initiatives...All the young, fit, dynamic leaders are here..."
Sharing details about the match, former Union Minister and Member of Parliament Anurag Singh Thakur on X wrote on March 19, "TB will lose, the country will win! The stalwarts of politics and cinema will take to the cricket pitch to make the vision of 'TB-free India' of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji a reality. Don't forget to watch."
{{{{twitter_post_id####}}}}टीबी हारेगा, देश जीतेगा!
आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी की परिकल्पना ‘टीबी मुक्त भारत’ के संकल्प को साकार करने के लिए क्रिकेट की पिच पर उतरेंगे राजनीति और सिनेमा जगत के धुरंधर
देखना न भूलें
Neta XI Vs. Abhineta XI
MCA Cricket Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai
22… pic.twitter.com/vGC2B4aaZ0
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 19, 2025
Expressed his excitement, Suniel, via a voice note conveyed, "Cricket has always been more than just a game for India. It's a force that unites, inspires and amplifies powerful messages. Today, it carries a greater purpose. A TB Mukt Bharat. Echoing the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi ji. Led by Member of Parliament, Sri Anurag Thakur Singh, who is also a global champion on TB."
"This match unites MPs and the entertainment fraternity to send a strong message. The fight against TB needs all of us. If our collective voice can help spread awareness, encourage early detection and break the stigma around TB, then every ball bowled and every run scored will be a step towards a healthier TB Mukt Bharat," he added.
This initiative follows the December 2024 friendly cricket match between parliamentarians from the Rajya Sabha Chairman XI and Lok Sabha Speaker XI at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, also aimed at raising awareness about TB.
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