CABI collaborates with the Cricket Association for the Blind in Delhi to inaugurate the new training regime for visually impaired women and girls in Delhi
The first batch of the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team was formed in the year 2018. They played their first International match in a T20 bilateral series against Nepal. They also went on to participate in the IBSA World Games in Birmingham in August 2023.
The Indian team led by skipper Varsha Umapathy clinched a historic gold medal by defeating Australia in the final. They had a flawless campaign as they managed to stay unbeaten throughout the tournament. After their historic gold medal triumph in the IBSA World Games in Birmingham, they also went on to participate in their maiden bilateral series in India against Nepal. They had an impressive outing in the five-match bilateral series as they clinched the series by a 4-1 margin.
The Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) has collaborated with the Cricket Association for the Blind in Delhi (CABD) for the project, “Training in Blind Cricket for Visually Impaired Girls and Women in Delhi”. The project intends to identify and train 50 passionate visually impaired girls and women for a period of over three months. The project also provides vocational training to improve digital and financial literacy, including soft skills, computer skills, and life skills.
“As we embark on this event, it is essential to build up three key pillars Resilience, Reflection, and Relationships. Which I would like to call as, RRR. These elements are crucial for long-term success and growth. Resilience being the first one, each individual faces unique challenges, yet possesses immense potential.” The former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Government of India, Meenakshi Lekhi speaks about the three key pillars of the project.
A new training regime was inaugurated for the visually impaired women and girls in Delhi. “The coaching camps are the beginning of a new journey to the new players to exhibit their cricketing talents which will help the State Board to identify the emerging players and to nurture their talents. We aim to transform the visually impaired to reinforce confidence and self-esteem.” Trustee Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and President of Cricket for the Blind in India Buse Gowda speaks about the coaching camps marking the beginning of a new journey for the visually impaired players.
The Australian High Commission in New Delhi is a key supporter of the project to help the development of blind cricketers in the country. “ Australia and India share no greater love, than our shared love for cricket. The Australian High Commission is proud to be supporting this initiative by Samarthanam and the Cricket Association for the Blind, which is a fantastic example of breaking down barriers and making the game more accessible for people with disabilities, particularly women and girls. I am very pleased to be working with our Indian cricket partners to promote sports as a means to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for women and girls.” Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green speaks about the partnership in making the initiative a grand success.
(Quotes sourced from ANI)
