Equitas Small Finance Bank has partnered with the Indian women’s hockey player Rani Rampal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana as its official ambassador. It’s an attempt from the bank to break the stereotypes and get women sports idols as the face of an organisation.
Mostly male cricketers or sport’s icons are given such deals, but Equitas wants to change the trend. It has chosen two of the brightest athletes in our country- Smriti Mandhana, the flamboyant opening batsman and Rani Rampal, the youngest women’s hockey player to represent India at the World Cup.
“Rani and Smriti are two classic examples of a vibrant youth achieving their aspirations and we are proud to announce them as our brand ambassadors. Banking for women and empowering them is our key focus area and the announcement of our collaboration with these two leading “EVA’s” is in that philosophy and direction,” said Murali Vaidyanathan, Senior President of Equitas SFB.
“As a bank, we emulate the same values of a sportsperson being fair and transparent which reflects in our pan-India beyond banking initiatives. Sports has always served as a medium for women to break stereotypes and build an identity for themselves within the society. We believe in providing that very platform for these entire population and segments to take a step forward and follow their passion. With the enhanced access to sports over the years, we expect to motivate the entire segment in the hinterlands of India.”
Both players were extremely happy to be on board on this project. Rampal pointed out that Equitas helps athletes who are not financially stable. Moreover, Smriti Mandhana said the bank has broken conventional norms and barriers which impressed her.
“I was truly impressed by Equitas Bank’s stand on not just banking, but going beyond as well. Their sincere and single-minded focus on making banking simpler even for the unbanked and underbanked touched my heart,” said Smriti Mandhana.
“A bank with a soul – this is what Equitas is for me. What a remarkable journey Equitas has had and all their initiatives – be it banking or even beyond banking – have been revolutionary,” said Rani Rampal.