Page 50 - The Indian EYE 092724

SPORTS SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 | The Indian Eye 50

A Triumphant Journey: The Indian Men’s

Cricket Team for the Blind Completes US Tour

ARCHAN MEHTA

San Jose, CA
he Indian Men’s Cricket Team
for the Blind embarked on a
Thistoric US tour from mid-July
to mid-September, supported by the
Subu Kota Foundation. They played
in nine major cities including San
Francisco Bay Area, Boston, New
York, and Los Angeles, with the goal
of raising awareness and funds for
Samarthanam’s efforts to promote
blind cricket globally. The tour not One of the standout players and ing in his footsteps, Ajay Kumar Red- His passion for cricket led him to
only highlighted the team’s incred- current captain of Indian Cricket team dy, another former captain, received channel his efforts into promoting
ible talent and dedication but also for Blind, Durga Rao, shared his jour- the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2023 blind cricket, culminating in the estab-
strengthened the international pres- ney of how cricket transformed his for his outstanding contributions to lishment of CABI. This organization
ence of blind cricket, amplifying its life. Inspired by India’s Blind Crick- the sport. governs blind cricket in India and or-
reach and inspiring visually impaired et World Cup win, he made his way The team’s diversity and talent ganizes tournaments across various
athletes around the world. The Indian from playing locally in Hyderabad span across players like Sanjay Shah, levels, from district to national, iden-
team has won 5 world cups -- 3 T20I to representing India at just 16. Like a B1 category player from Delhi, who tifying talent and nurturing the sport’s
and 2 ODIs world cups. many visually impaired athletes, Rao shared his experience of facing Paki- growth.
The game of blind cricket itself is found both opportunities and respect stan’s Badar Munir in a recent match. CABI’s mission, supported by the
a modified version of the traditional through the sport. His hope is that His camaraderie with fellow players Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled,
sport, adapted to the needs of visually increased recognition of blind cricket and friendly international competition is not only to develop cricket for the
impaired players. The field and bound- will inspire more support for the game highlights the positive atmosphere blind but to inspire visually impaired
ary are smaller, with larger, brightly worldwide, offering more opportuni- within blind cricket. Pankaj Bhue, a individuals to break societal barriers
colored stumps and a ball designed ties to players with visual impairments. B3 player from Orissa, has been rep- and pursue their dreams. Their efforts
to make noise so players can track its Durga went on to say the team had the resenting India since 2011. He show- have led to India’s dominance in the
movement. Teams consist of a mix of opportunity to meet with Prime Minis- cased his versatility by performing sport, with victories in the T20 World
fully blind B1, partially blind B2, and ter Narendra Modi. What began as a exceptionally in the 2012 World Cup Cup and ODI World Cup, and contin-
partially-sighted B3 players, ensuring brief 15-minute session turned into a and also won bronze at the National ued success in international tours.
a fair and balanced competition. Un- 45-minute conversation filled with en- para-athletics and is a talented musi- Dr. Mahantesh indicated that he
derarm bowling and additional rules, couragement and inspiration. Durga cian who plays dholak and piano. believes in building a society where
like calling out “play” or “ready” to revealed how he lost his sight at six The team’s young talent is also people with disabilities are potential
assist fully blind batsmen, make the and how his uncle’s support helped shining through with players like tax-payers, not just recipients and
game accessible while maintaining the him overcome the challenges. His pas- Nilesh Yadav from Jaunpur, Uttar would also want cricket for blind to be
competitive spirit of cricket. sion for cricket, playing every day as a Pradesh, whose passion and dedica- included in the LA2028 Paralympics.
CABI’s continuous efforts to pro- child, deeply resonated with the team, tion have earned him a place in the na- While the US tour for the team has
mote the sport and organize global motivating them further. tional team. Yadav’s journey reflects been a success in terms of awareness
tournaments are vital to keeping blind Shekhar Naik, former captain of the growing opportunities for visually and promoting the game, these sports-
cricket in the spotlight, showing the the Indian Blind Cricket Team, led impaired players to showcase their men go on to prove that true vision
world that disability does not limit po- India to two historic victories—win- skills on a global platform. lies not in sight, but in the courage to
tential and that visually impaired ath- ning both the 2012 T20 Blind Cricket Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasanna- dream and the strength to overcome
letes can thrive on the field. With the World Cup and the 2014 Blind Crick- var, co-founder of the Cricket Asso- every obstacle.
support of cricket legends and global et World Cup. His incredible contri- ciation for the Blind in India (CABI)
organizations, blind cricket is set to butions were honored in 2017 when and a visionary born blind, has played Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to
reach new heights, inspiring many to he received the Padma Shri, India’s a significant role in empowering dis- telling compelling stories about athletes,
pursue their dreams without hesitation. fourth-highest civilian award. Follow- abled individuals across the country. teams, and the world of cricket

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