Rajasthan Royals turn pink for a cause

Jaipur: To boost state-wide cancer out campaign launched by Rajasthan Royals in association with Tata Trusts, the franchise on Wednesday revealed a special jersey ahead of their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) match.

The match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings will be dedicated to the cause of popularising early cancer screening among all as part of cancer out campaign.

It is being run with the support of Government of Rajasthan, National Cancer Grid, Indian Cancer Society and Indian Dental Association in the state of Rajasthan.

The day began with Rajasthan Royals players Ajinkya Rahane, Heinrich Klaasen, Krishnappa Gowtham and Mahipal Lomror paying a visit to SMS hospital and getting themselves screened at the Oncology department in the hospital in an urge to promote early cancer screening.

After this, the special jersey was revealed in the presence of Dr V.K. Mathur, Director (Public Health) and Commissioner (Food & Safety), Dr US Agarwal, Principal SMS Medical College, Burzis S Taraporevala, CFO and Company Secretary Tata Trusts and Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman Rajasthan Royals.

As part of the campaign, to further generate mass awareness among people, on the day of this titan clash, Rajasthan Royals will don the special jersey which has been created with a blend of three colours – pink, teal and burgundy.

The three colours symbolise the most profound and common types of cancer – pink for breast cancer, burgundy for oral cancer and teal for cervical cancer.

Speaking at the occasion, Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman, Rajasthan Royals, said, “Cancer cure chances are higher with early diagnosis. We are committed to delivering the message of early cancer screening and risk reduction. We aim to bring early cancer screening into a part of the routine medical check and facilitate the treatment. Cancer awareness education and understanding that early detection is crucial in saving lives, can enable more people across Rajasthan to live healthier and longer. ”

Expressing his gratitude to the visiting team, Barthakur added, “We are very pleased and thankful to team ‘Yellove’ for sharing the same thought and coming ahead to support our cause.”

Royals’ captain Ajinkya Rahane said, “As a player, I think this initiative is a small but crucial step towards a direction of cancer-free society and I hope that we perform to the best of our ability to raise as much awareness as we can.”

The skipper also appealed to all Royals fans to take the onus towards educating others, push themselves for early screening and henceforth promote early screening among others as well. All above 30 years of age must opt for screening themselves on annual basis.

Rajasthan Royals, who are languishing down to the sixth spot in the IPL, are slated to play against CSK on May 11. (ANI)