Gurugram, Dec 5 (Agency) The 3rd T20 World Cup for the Blind, was officially inaugurated by former Indian world-cup winning cricketer Yuvraj Singh here at the Tau Devi Lal stadium on Monday. Yuvraj is also the brand ambassador for the mega event. Haryana Sports Minister and former Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, President of the Cricket Association of the Blind in India (CABI), Raymond Moxley, Secretary General, World Blind Cricket Ltd. (WBC) and Swami Nirbhayanda Saraswati, President, Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashrama, Gadag & Bijapur, Karnataka among others were present on the occasion. Yuvraj 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 brand ambassador. “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.” Also, present amongst all the dignitaries was a special guest in Indian Actress from the Kannada film industry Harshika Punaccha. A heartwarming invocation song and a musical medley was performed by Sunadha, the cultural wing of Samarthanam, which consists of visually impaired and speech and hearing-impaired artistes. 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 semifinals and the grand finale takes place in Bengaluru. The Ajay Reddy captained India take on Nepal in the first game at Faridabad’s Sledge Hammer ground on Tuesday. The most anticipated 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, 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. “We as a state are committed to support both abled and specially abled sports persons and we are in the process of developing a stadium specifically for the specially abled in Gurugram and Faridabad. I look forward to be present for the first game between India and Nepal at Faridabad tomorrow.” The 3rd T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind is also being organised to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.