Jammu, Jul 14 (KNS): Lauding the resilience and fortitude of visually impaired cricketers and their love for the game, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Saturday expressed his delight to be witness to an event that will have lasting impact on him and the sports lovers of Jammu and inspire them to brave odds for achieving excellence.
“Seeing is believing”, Rana said while inaugurating the historic and perhaps first ever two-day Triangular Cricket Tournament for Blind at Gulshan Grounds here this morning, adding that it is the most happiest and proudest moment for him to be amid brave players, which he will cherish all his life.
Organised by the National Federation of Blind, J&K Chapter, the tournament will witness visually impaired players from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and the host Jammu and Kashmir making their tryst with ball and the willow.
Rana said that one such event is precious than many other sports tourneys that will turn out to be inspiring for the budding players of the temple city and its peripheries. He said the players moving around the pitch will signal hope for thousands of physically challenged young people, who he expressed confidence, will find purpose in living and contributing by abundant talent each one of them possessed in varied fields. He recalled the contribution of physically challenged in every sphere of activity including in arts and sports, saying they have proved to be second to none.
The Provincial President referred to the presence of huge number of sports lovers and said this depicts societal involvement in the welfare and well-being of physically challenged. He said such events will script a new saga of bonhomie and camaraderie among youth cutting across religions and physical status. He said the physical imparity is not any curse given the strength to meet it boldly. “That is what the players are going to showcase in today’s event”, he said.
He wished all the success to players and said that no matter who wins of looses, mere presence of the visually impaired players in the cricket field is their victory, which will enthuse and each one witnessing this great event.
Rana expressed his gratitude to the organizers for bestowing him great honour of inaugurating this historic two day event and assured that he will feel equally privileged for doing anything for the young players. He emphasized the crucial need of overall growth of the youngsters, especially those physically challenged, and said the game of cricket will ensure this aspect of their lives. He lauded the grit and determination of the players in overcoming hurdles and difficulties to shape their dreams into reality. “The players will not only be showcasing their talent during the matches but emanating spirit to live”, he added.
The opening match was played between the host Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab teams. The players showed their immense talent in every field of the game. The cricket lovers applauded every delivery bowled, hit and fielded by the young visually impaired crickets. It was a unique event which received unprecedented applause by the fans of the game.
The Convenor of National Federation of Blind, J&K Chapter Mohinder K Badyal spelled out the objectives of the tournament and said various other initiatives are underway to give fillip to sports events involving physically challenged people. He introduced the cricketers to the chief guest.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Youth Sports Secretary Blind Association Naveen Alabit, Balvinder Singh General Secretary of the National Federation of Blind Punjab and District Social Welfare Officer, Jammu. (KNS)