10th Usha Divyang Indian Cricket League 2024 Inaugurated in Jalandhar
120 hearing & visually-impaired players from across the country will compete for the winner’s trophy in the 3-day cricket bonanza
Jalandhar : Sponsored by Usha International, India’s leading consumer durables company, the 10th Usha Divyang Indian Cricket League 2024 was inaugurated at Lovely Professional University. Organized in partnership with the Deaf Cricket Federation, the league celebrates inclusivity by providing a platform for differently-abled cricketers from across the country to showcase their talent and passion for the sport.
The tournament was inaugurated by Dr Aman Mittal, Vice President, Lovely Professional University in the presence of Dr Kashmir Singh IPS (Retd Additional Director General, CISF). The tournament matches started from yesterday with the finale being scheduled for 16th November, 2024, and will take place at Punjab Armed Police Grounds, Jalandhar. Shri M F Farooqui, IPS, Addl. Director General of Police, Punjab Police is the Chief Guest for yesterday’s match along with Guest of Honour, Shri Himanshu Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar.
The League matches in the two categories – hearing impaired and visually impaired will be played by 90 hearing impaired and 30 visually impaired cricketers including international players from Sri Lanka and Nepal. The tournament includes eight teams in all six hearing impaired teams – Sign Smashers, Deaf Defender, Unity Tigers, Divyang Warriors, Empower Deaf Eagles, Deaf Diving Strikers and two visually-impaired teams – Special Kings and Courageous Tigers.
“It is platforms like this one that really are the cornerstone of the spirit of inclusivity and sportsmanship and we are truly honoured to be able to do our bit by partnering with the Divyang Indian Cricket League. The league not only celebrates the incredible talent and perseverance of each player but also inspires us all. Platforms like this one enable these athletes to experience the thrill and joy of competition and adulation, spurring them and many more to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.” said Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives & Associations at Usha International.
Usha’s unwavering commitment to inclusive sports reflects in its strategic partnerships and support for a wide array of activities, from sports for the visually impaired and differently-abled to traditional Indian games, all of which encourage active lifestyles and community involvement. These initiatives include collaborations with organizations like Mumbai Indians, as well as support for sports such as Ultimate Flying Disc, Golf, and Cricket for differently-abled athletes. Usha also champions sports tailored for the visually impaired such as Athletics, Kabaddi, Judo, and Powerlifting and actively promotes indigenous Indian sports like Kalari, Chhinj, Siat Khnam, Thang-Ta, Saz-Loung, Satoliya (Pithu), Mallakhamb, and Gatka.