Published: Jan 29, 2017, 05:47 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 29, 2017, 05:50 PM (IST)
Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Sunday affirmed the government’s support to promote cricket for the blind in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the second ICC World T20 Cricket for Blind Championship organised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) here, he said the government will consider a suggestion from CABI to grant it recognition so that events related to blind cricketers get financial assistance from the government.
Goel said the government has positive attitude towards Cricket for Blind and recently Shekhar Naik, a blind cricketer, was honoured with Padma Shri on the eve of the Republic day.
He said the organisation of 2nd WT20 in India itself shows the government’s all-inclusive policy to all sections of the society and its keenness to provide equal opportunities to blind cricketers to prove their talent. Wishing best to all the 10 participating nations, including India, in the 2nd World T20 Cricket for Blind championship, the Sports Minister said the day is not far off when cricket for blind will strengthen further its recognition professionally and attract more and more support from all important stakeholders.
Ten teams – hosts India, South Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal – will fight it out for the title, with the final slated for February 12. The matches will be played in Delhi, Faridabad, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Vijaywada, Hyderabad, Indore, Anantpur and Bhubaneswar.
Rahul Dravid is the official brand ambassador for the upcoming tournament, while Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Lokesh Rahul, Umesh Yadav, Gautam Gambhir have come forward to support and promote blind cricket.
