Jalandhar : Sponsored by Usha International, a leader in consumer durables, the ‘10th Usha Divyang Indian Cricket League 2024, was inaugurated yesterday at Lovely Professional University. Organized in collaboration with the Deaf Cricket Federation, this league celebrates inclusivity by creating a national platform for differently-abled cricketers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport.
The tournament was inaugurated by Dr. Aman Mittal, Vice President of Lovely Professional University, alongside Dr. Kashmir Singh, IPS (Retd Additional Director General, CISF). Matches commence today, November 14, 2024, with the grand finale scheduled for November 16, 2024, at Punjab Armed Police Grounds, Jalandhar. Shri M.F. Farooqui, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Punjab Police, is the Chief Guest for today’s match, with Shri Himanshu Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, serving as the Guest of Honour.
The league features two categories – hearing impaired and visually impaired – with 90 hearing-impaired and 30 visually impaired players, including international participants from Sri Lanka and Nepal. Eight teams are competing: six teams in the hearing-impaired category (Sign Smashers, Deaf Defender, Unity Tigers, Divyang Warriors, Empower Deaf Eagles, Deaf Diving Strikers) and two teams in the visually impaired category (Special Kings and Courageous Tigers).
Komal Mehra, Head of Sports Initiatives & Associations at Usha International, expressed, “This platform epitomizes inclusivity and sportsmanship. We are honored to partner with the Divyang Indian Cricket League, which not only celebrates the talent and perseverance of each player but also inspires us all. Such initiatives allow these athletes to experience competition, joy, and adulation, encouraging them and others to lead active, healthy lives.”
Usha International’s dedication to inclusive sports is evident in its partnerships supporting activities from visually impaired and differently-abled sports to traditional Indian games, promoting active lifestyles and community engagement. These initiatives include collaborations with organizations like Mumbai Indians and support for diverse sports such as Ultimate Flying Disc, Golf, and specially tailored sports for the visually impaired, including Athletics, Kabaddi, Judo, and Powerlifting. Usha also champions indigenous sports like Kalari, Chhinj, Siat Khnam, Thang-Ta, Saz-Loung, Satoliya (Pithu), Mallakhamb, and Gatka, fostering traditional games nationwide.
