New Delhi, July 9 (Agency) Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, in collaboration with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and the Cricket Association for the Blind in Delhi (CABD), launched a new training regime for visually impaired women and girls in Delhi on Tuesday. The project, titled “Training in Blind Cricket for Visually Impaired Girls and Women in Delhi,” aims to identify and train 50 visually impaired girls and women with a passion for cricket over three months. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi is a key partner and supporter of the project. This initiative focuses not only on coaching blind cricket but also on providing vocational training to enhance digital and financial literacy, including soft skills, computer skills, and life skills. The inauguration ceremony saw the attendance of Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and CABI President Busa Gowda, and CABD President Yogesh Taneja. Speaking at the event, Busa Gowda thanked the Australian High Commission on behalf of the Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of CABI for their continuous support, especially in promoting women’s cricket for the blind. He stated, “The coaching camps are the beginning of a new journey for the players to exhibit their cricketing talents, which will help the State Board to identify emerging players and nurture their talents. We aim to transform the visually impaired to reinforce their confidence and self-esteem.”Gowda also informed the gathering about the maiden tour of the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind to the USA in the last week of July.
The team will travel across eight cities to promote cricket for the blind and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in November 2024.Yogesh Taneja briefed the attendees on the various activities organised and conducted by CABD in collaboration with Samarthanam and CABI.Meenakshi Lekhi, speaking on the initiative, highlighted the importance of resilience, reflection, and relationships. She remarked, “Resilience being the first one, each individual faces unique challenges yet possesses immense potential. The remarkable performances by all the men here today are a testament to their inner strength and resilience.” Reflecting on India’s recent victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Lekhi added, “Today’s game stands as another significant milestone. It not only provides us with reasons to celebrate but also to applaud the participants for their outstanding spirit. Reflecting on past performances and milestones is crucial.” She emphasised the importance of relationships, noting, “This long-standing connection highlights the importance of nurturing relationships and supporting each other’s growth. My heartiest congratulations to all.”The Australian High Commissioner to India, Green, expressed his support, saying, “Australia and India share no greater love than our shared love for cricket. The Australian High Commission is proud to support this initiative by Samarthanam and the Cricket Association for the Blind. It is a fantastic example of breaking down barriers and making the game more accessible for people with disabilities, particularly women and girls.” The project is part of Samarthanam’s inclusive strategy to empower visually impaired and blind women through disability sports. It aims to build confidence in the trainees, encouraging them to strive to be winners rather than be dependent, and promoting social inclusion through the platform of blind cricket.