Inclusivity in Sports: Dignitaries Back IDCA U-19 T-20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf in Anantapur
New Delhi/ Andhra Pradesh, 26th November 2024: The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) organised the IDCA U-19 2nd T-20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, from November 25th to 28th 2024. In its inaugural edition, eight specially abled Junior’s cricket teams from different parts of the country will compete on the field to clinch the coveted Champions trophy.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of Sh. Sai Krishna, Director, Sports, Rural Development Trust, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh as the chief guest. He praised IDCA for taking the initiative and encouraged the players for the upcoming matches. Mr. Devaraj V, Manager, CAN Fin Home Limited, Anantapur Branch, Mr. Yudandhar Reddy, Cricket Coard, Anantapur District Cricket Association, Ms. Sreedevi, Manager, Anantapur Sports Academy, Mr. K Gopinadh, President of Deaf Cricket Association of A.P & Mr. Naga Raju, Organization Secretary, Deaf Cricket Association of A.P, were the Guests of Honour.
Sumit Jain, President, IDCA, commented, “Today is an important tournament as it signals IDCA’s focus on promoting not only world-class cricket but also emphasis on nurturing youth and inclusion. All our partners share our vision and are committed to helping hearing-impaired cricketing talent and join the ‘DaretoDream’ movement to mainstream these players who will be the talented future players. This is a very special tournament as it is the IDCA 2nd U19 T-20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf in 2024. He added, “We are grateful to CAN Fin Home Limited, Serum Institute of India, Cyrus Poonawalla Group, KFC India Hero MotoCorp & RB Foundation for their wholehearted support to our movement of supporting our forthcoming tournaments in the state of Andhra Pradesh.”
The four-day tournament kick d off with a special opening ceremony organized on Thursday, November 28th at 3 PM at RDT Stadium Cricket Ground, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
The two best teams will face each other in the final match scheduled for November 25th, 2024.
Opening Ceremony:
1 Match – U19 Deaf Delhi Vs. U19 Deaf Andhra Pradesh
U19 Deaf Andhra Pradesh won the toss and elected field.
U19 Deaf Andhra Pradesh – 192/6 Overs 20
C Arvind – 63 (46)
Sahil Chandel – 2 wickets
2 Match – U19 Deaf Madhya Pradesh Vs. U19 Deaf Maharashtra
U19 Deaf Madhya Pradesh won the toss and elected bat.
U19 Deaf Madhya Pradesh – 100/10 Overs 16
Aman Lakshar – 25 (30)
Sameer Shaikh – 2 wickets.
Supporting the tournament, Mr. Suresh S Lyer, Managing Director & CEO, Can Fin Homes Limited and Patron, said, “With our program, we have been on a journey to maximise potential and support ability imbalance gaps. Our partnership with the Indian Deaf Cricket Association marks a key milestone in our endeavour to maximise the potential and provide equal opportunities for persons with disability. As title sponsor, we continue to focus on driving visibility, skill development and extending growth opportunities for hearing impaired cricketers. Together with IDCA we support the growth of the sport of deaf cricket, at both national and international levels.”
Corporate partners: – Serum Institute of India, Cyrus Poonawalla Group, KFC India, Hero MotoCorp, Can Fin Homes Limited, Kaizzen, VicenteFerrer Rural Development Trust and Anantapur Sports Academy are supporting IDCA for the upcoming tournament.