Bengaluru, 18 May (H.S.): The 5th National Physical Disability Elite Cricket Tournament was inaugurated in grand fashion under the aegis of the Karnataka State Disabled Cricket Association amid colorful cultural performances and an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm. Top teams from across the country are participating in this prestigious competition, providing players with a national platform to showcase their talent.
Several distinguished dignitaries attended the opening ceremony, including Surendra Lohia, President of PCCAI; Ravikant Chauhan, General Secretary of DCCI and PCCAI; Satyanarayana; Hemchandra; and Santosh Gowda, along with several other prominent guests. The tournament was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
On the occasion, DCCI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan stated that the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) has consistently organized national tournaments featuring 24 teams. However, this year, in an effort to make the competition more competitive and of higher quality, an elite tournament featuring the top 12 teams is being conducted. The remaining 12 teams will compete separately in a Plate Group tournament.
He said the primary objective of this initiative is to identify the country’s finest players and prepare them to represent India at the international level in the future.
Ravikant Chauhan further noted that the organization is continuously working to provide better facilities for players. To encourage athletes, awards such as cars and scooters have previously been presented to winners of the “Man of the Series” title.
He added that DCCI’s goal is to provide world-class facilities to differently-abled cricketers and consistently enhance their standard of play. Special emphasis is placed on player training, tournament exposure, and all requirements related to international-level competition.
He also emphasized that the organization remains committed to the holistic development of players and will continue making dedicated efforts to take differently-abled cricket to new heights in the coming years. He expressed gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and collaborators associated with the event.
PCCAI President Surendra Lohia said that his organization has been working continuously for the upliftment of differently-abled cricket for the past 15 years. He revealed that prize money amounting to approximately ₹30.36 lakh has so far been distributed as “Man of the Match” awards in national tournaments.
He added that their organization is the first in the country to award ₹11,000 to every “Man of the Match” winner. According to him, more than ₹87 lakh in total prize money has already been distributed among players, and efforts to strengthen players financially will continue in the future as well.
Paralympic Committee President Satyanarayana stated that the committee, in collaboration with DCCI, is working toward securing inclusion of mixed disability cricket in the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games.
He expressed confidence that differently-abled cricket would gain greater recognition and respect at the international level in the coming years.
During the ceremony, former international players were also felicitated. The event further conveyed messages of sportsmanship, dedication, and national unity.
The organizers expressed gratitude to all players, officials, supporters, and sports enthusiasts while extending their best wishes for the successful conduct of the tournament.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
