Vadodara has made history by hosting the first official International Wheelchair Cricket Championships 2023. The five-day tournament features teams from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, all competing with a common aim to represent their countries, develop friendship, and inspire future generations.
This tournament marks an important step towards promoting inclusion and providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports. The event has received overwhelming support from the local community and the government, making it a success.
The Sports Authority of India and the Gujarat Wheelchair Cricket Association have worked together to organize the tournament at the police cricket ground in Pratapnagar. The teams will play each other in league stages, followed by first and second semifinal matches. The top two teams will clash in the final for the championship.
Raghu Kumar R., General Secretary of the International Wheelchair Cricket Council (IWCC), expressed his gratitude to the Gujarat government for their support in organizing the tournament. Kumar stated that this is the first official tournament with proper regulations, and he is happy that his efforts have finally reaped fruits.
The tournament has brought together people from different backgrounds, including retired army jawans, painters, and individuals from various fields, who have come together to play for health, national spirit, mutual friendship, and to inspire future generations towards cricket.
The Nepal team captain, Himal Aryal, said, “For the first time, we are playing in Gujarat, and we feel very proud to represent our country. Our team consists of retired army jawans to painters and people from other fields who are playing for health, national spirit, mutual friendship, and inspire future generation towards cricket.”
Noor Nahian, captain of the Bangladesh team, added, “We have been playing cricket for a long time, which keeps all of us attached to the game. The purpose of playing here is to bring a positive impact in the society and tell everyone that we are also a part of this society. If given a chance, we too can do something for the country. It is also to inspire the coming generation towards sports.”
Sri Lanka, who is playing for the first time in this competition, is excited to play and develop friendly relations with other countries. “We are a part of this international tournament for the first time, and it is a great feeling to represent our country. By playing with other countries, we will get to know each other and think something for people like us,” said Tushita Minge, captain of the Sri Lankan team.
The Indian team is also happy to play the first-ever official International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament with support from the Sports Authority of India. Brijmohan Tiwari, captain of the team, is excited to lead the team against the other three countries. He said, “This is the first official tournament, which is a good opportunity for disabled people to show their talent. Everyone will get a platform to play for the country and inspire others.”
The tournament not only provides a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their talent but also promotes the spirit of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and equality. Such events help break down barriers and stereotypes and provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in sports.
In conclusion, the first official International Wheelchair Cricket Championships 2023 has brought people from different backgrounds and countries together, showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and equality. The tournament marks an important milestone towards promoting sports for all, breaking down barriers and stereotypes, and providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports.
