Yuvraj Singh declares open the 3rd T20 World Cup for the blind; India to take on Nepal in the opening game
Legendary India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Monday, December 5 officially inaugurated the 3rd T20 World Cup for the Blind at the Tau Devi Lal stadium in Gurugram.
The Inauguration of the Tournament in the presence of Sandeep Singh. Also, The Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt. of Haryana, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, President of the Cricket Association of the Blind in India also, former Indian world-cup-winning cricketer Yuvraj Singh, also the brand ambassador for the event, Raymond Moxley, Secretary General, World Blind Cricket Ltd. (WBC). Also, Swami Nirbhayanda Saraswati, President, Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashrama, Gadag & Bijapur, Karnataka among others.
A heartwarming session led by a song and a musical medley by Sunadha. The cultural wing of Samarthanam, which consists of visually impaired and speech and hearing-impaired artists. Also present amongst all the dignitaries was a special guest in Indian Actress from the Kannada film industry Ms Harshika Punaccha.
Teams participating in Blind Cricket World Cup
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, has been championing the cause of Cricket for the Blind, since 2010- 2011. Seven countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts and two-time defending champions India will feature in the 11-day 24-match schedule that has been drawn up.
Besides Delhi/NCR, India matches will be played in cities like Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Kochi in Kerala. Cuttack in Odisha and Panjim in Goa before the final matches including the two semi-finals and the grand finale takes place in Bengaluru.
India faces Nepal in opening game Captained by Ajay Reddy. India will take on Nepal in the opening game at Faridabad’s Sledge Hammer ground on Tuesday (December 6).The big India-Pakistan clash is slated to take place a day later at the DDA Siri Fort Sports Complex in the national capital subject to their visa process. Speaking on the occasion Sandeep Singh, Honorable Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt. of Haryana, who also happens to be a former India hockey captain, said, “It gives me great pleasure to be here today on the occasion of the inauguration of the 3rd T20 World Cup for the Blind. We welcome all the international teams and promise to make their stay in India a pleasant experience.
Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh said:
“When CABI first approached me. The first thought that came to my mind was that even when I was half-awake during my active playing days. I would not dare to face a ball, then how do these cricketers do it. They are real-life heroes. I feel blessed and honored to be amongst them and as a brand ambassador. And I call upon more and more corporates, the government. The public and the media to come forward and support these passionate cricketers. On my part, I pledge to do whatever is in my power to support Cricket for the Blind. I wish all the participating teams, the very best of luck.”
About World Blind Cricket Council
World Blind Cricket Council established in 1996 is an administration of blind cricket to manage it at an international level. It promotes and controls Blind Cricket globally. The World Cup is an initiative of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in association with Samarthanam Trust for the disabled. Samarthanam perceives Sports as a medium to improve inclusion and encourage persons with disabilities on various fronts. Since its inception, the trust has reached out to more than 30, 000 visually impaired crickets. The 3rd T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind from December 6 to 1. This event is organized to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally.
