Srinagar, May 18(KNS): J&K Blind Welfare Trust (BWT) has thanked Secretary J&K Sports Council for providing a platform for visually impaired youth to play a cricket match in Bakshi Stadium Srinagar. Chairman of BWT Showkat Ahmad Lone said that this would not have been possible without the support of J&K Sports Council.

A cricket match between two visually impaired teams South Blind Star and Blind 11 was played on Monday at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar. Around 25 blind players had come to Srinagar from different districts like Shopian , Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla , Budgam and Ganderbal.

“Blind Welfare Trust (BWT) is trying its best to mobilize visually impaired youth so that their talent and skills are explored. We try to provide them a platform wherein they are able to play all sorts of games and enjoy life. BWT is also planning to set up some small scale industrial units where visually impaired youth would be engaged to earn their livelihood especially by making disposable plates , bowls etc from biodegradable material. This was the first match played in Srinagar and now we hope that cricket tournaments for blind youth would be held at district level in the coming months” said Showkat Ahmad Lone Chairman BWT

Patron of BWT and social activist Dr Raja Muzaffar was also present at Bakshi Stadium during the occasion. He also appreciated the Sports Council for handholding visually impaired youth. Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar Manager Bakshi Stadium Srinagar provided refreshments to the players along with free cricket uniforms . Senior Officials of the Sports Council presented medals and certificates to the players during the closing ceremony of the match.(KNS).