Bengaluru: The 5th National Physical Disability Elite National Cricket Tournament, organised under the aegis of the Karnataka State Divyang Cricket Association, commenced with grandeur amid vibrant cultural performances from Karnataka 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.
The ceremony was attended by PCCAI President Surendra Lohiya, DCCI and PCCAI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan, Paralympic Chairman Satyanarayana, Karnataka Divyang Cricket Association President Hemchandra, and Secretary Santosh Gowda, along with several distinguished guests. The tournament was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Speaking on the occasion, DCCI Secretary Ravikant Chauhan said that DCCI has consistently organised national tournaments featuring 24 teams. However, this year, with the aim of making the competition more competitive and maintaining higher quality standards, it was decided to conduct the Elite Tournament with the top 12 teams. In addition, a Plate Group competition will also be organised for the remaining 12 teams.
He further stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to identify the country’s best players and prepare them to represent India at the international level in the future.
He added that the organisation has been continuously working towards providing better facilities to players. To encourage athletes, the organisation has even awarded cars and scooters as “Man of the Series” prizes. DCCI’s objective is to provide world-class facilities to differently-abled cricketers and continuously enhance their standard of play. Special attention is given to players’ training, tournaments, and every requirement at the international level to ensure they do not face any shortcomings.
Ravikant Chauhan further stated that the organisation remains committed to the holistic development of players and will continue working towards taking disability cricket to greater heights in the future. He also expressed gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and supporters, stating that such large-scale events and enhanced player facilities are only possible because of their support.
PCCAI President Surendra Lohiya said that his organisation has been continuously working for the upliftment of disability cricket for the past 15 years. He highlighted that the organisation has provided significant financial assistance to players over the years. In national tournaments alone, approximately Rs 30.36 lakh has been awarded as “Man of the Match” prize money. He added that their organisation is the first in the country to provide Rs 11,000 to every “Man of the Match” award winner.
He further informed that the organisation has distributed more than Rs 87 lakh in total prize money among players so far. He assured that continuous efforts will be made in the future to further strengthen players financially.
Paralympic Chairman Satyanarayana, in his address, said that the Paralympic Committee is working closely with DCCI to include mixed disability cricket in the Asian Para Games and Paralympic Games. He expressed confidence that disability cricket would gain greater recognition and respect at the international level in the coming years.
During the ceremony, former international players were also felicitated, and messages promoting sportsmanship, dedication, and national unity were shared. The organisers expressed gratitude to all players, officials, partners, and sports enthusiasts and wished for the successful conduct of the tournament.
