Diwali Cup 2025: A Historic Celebration of Cricket, Community & Culture

We are truly delighted with the success of this year's Diwali Cup, hosted once again in partnership with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation at Emirates Old Trafford. Building on the wonderful energy of last year, this year's event was even bigger — fourteen teams came together, families filled the stands, and the games were played in great spirit and camaraderie.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all four trophy winners and a special mention to the Janaki Warriors — our first ever all-girls team — who made history by taking home a trophy of their own. Their participation marks a milestone moment for women's and girls' cricket within our community.

The afternoon was filled with joy, teamwork, and celebration — from devotional dance performances to children's Diwali activities, all set against the uplifting sound of dhol and cheers.

Event Highlights

The 2025 Diwali Cup marked a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a beloved community tradition. With fourteen teams participating across multiple trophy categories, the tournament showcased the growing popularity and reach of this unique celebration of cricket and culture.

The event was a feast for the senses, featuring vibrant devotional dance performances that brought the spirit of Diwali to life on the field. Children engaged enthusiastically in special Diwali activities, creating rangoli patterns and participating in traditional crafts while their families cheered on the cricket matches.

The atmosphere was electrified by the rhythmic beats of dhol drummers, whose infectious energy kept spectators engaged throughout the day. The Emirates Old Trafford Indoor Centre was transformed into a celebration of Indian culture, complete with decorations, traditional music, and the unmistakable spirit of Diwali festivities.

Families from across Greater Manchester came together, creating a warm, inclusive environment that truly embodied the essence of community unity through sport. The increased participation from last year demonstrated the event's growing significance within the diaspora community.

Tournament Winners & Historic Achievement

The 2025 Diwali Cup witnessed thrilling competition across all categories, culminating in four deserving teams taking home trophies. After hours of spirited cricket, the champions emerged victorious to thunderous applause from the packed stands.

The highlight of this year's tournament was undoubtedly the participation and success of the Janaki Warriors — the first ever all-girls team in Diwali Cup history. Their achievement in winning a trophy represents a groundbreaking moment for women's and girls' cricket within our community, inspiring young female cricketers across Greater Manchester and beyond.

This historic milestone aligns perfectly with the broader movement to promote gender equality in sport and demonstrates GIEO Gita UK's commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all members of the community to participate and excel.

Event Gallery

Event Video Gallery

Community Feedback

The response from participants and spectators has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Thanks for organising, Aneet; it's getting popular and I'm sure it'll become a main calendar event for the diaspora in the future."

Community Member

"GIEO Gita UK is proud to continue fostering unity, wellbeing, and the joy of sport through events like the Diwali Cup. We look forward to seeing this tradition grow year on year — inspiring families, young people, and future generations to celebrate Diwali through cricket, community, and togetherness."

GIEO Gita UK

"Seeing the Janaki Warriors take the field as our first all-girls team was truly inspiring. This is the future of cricket in our community — inclusive, vibrant, and filled with opportunity for everyone."

Tournament Organiser

A Look to the Future

The Diwali Cup 2025 has firmly established itself as a significant event in Greater Manchester's cultural calendar. With participation growing from eight teams in the inaugural year to fourteen teams this year, and the historic inclusion of the first all-girls team, the trajectory is clear — this tournament is becoming a cornerstone celebration for the diaspora community.

We've received so many kind messages affirming that this event is destined to become a main calendar fixture for the community. GIEO Gita UK remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of the Diwali Cup, ensuring it continues to inspire families, young people, and future generations to celebrate Diwali through cricket, community, and togetherness.

The success of the Janaki Warriors demonstrates that when we create inclusive opportunities, remarkable achievements follow. We look forward to welcoming even more teams, more families, and more celebration in the years to come, as the Diwali Cup continues to grow as a beacon of unity and cultural pride in Greater Manchester.