While the Indian Men’s Cricket team basked in their well-deserved T20 World Cup glory in Barbados, the cricketers of the Indian Deaf Cricket Team were quietly achieving a remarkable success of their own in England. Last week, they defeated host England by six wickets in a thrilling seventh and final T20 to claim the series 5-2 in Leicester.
Their triumph not only highlights inclusivity in sports but also serves as an inspiration, showcasing that with determination and perseverance, no barrier is insurmountable, said experts and differently-abled individuals as they expressed immense happiness and pride over this achievement.
Sumit Jain, president of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), said, “The victory in this bilateral series against England is not just a win on the field but a testament to the perseverance and skill of our hearing-impaired players.
“It marks a significant milestone for deaf cricket in India, showcasing our capability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of the sport. We are thrilled to see our team’s hard work and determination pay off, and we look forward to continuing our journey of excellence in deaf cricket.”
Felicitating the team, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, remarked, “This victory is a moment of pride for the entire country. The team’s determination has turned the impossible into possible, and this win belongs to the entire nation. Our deaf players have proven that given the opportunity, they can always rise to the occasion, inspiring us to overcome the harshest circumstances.”
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of Department of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry expressed, “Immensely proud and happy to see the Indian Deaf Cricket Team’s incredible victory over England! A true testament to their hard work and determination.”
Dr. Himanshu Singh, Director of CRC Lucknow under PDUNIPPD, DEPwD, also hailed the victory, noting that such achievements reflect the hidden talent among these individuals. “Given the opportunity, the sky is the limit for them despite their physical limitations. Our department is undertaking various programs to boost the morale of the sector and help challenge societal perceptions, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in sports,” he added.
Similarly, a wheelchair-bound Meenu Mani of the NGO ‘Yes We Can,’ who has cerebral palsy, termed such moments as an inspiration not only to people with disabilities but to everyone. “This shows that determination and hard work can lead to success, no matter the obstacles,” she said while Roma Balwani, CEO of IDCA, emphasised, “This victory underscores our team’s resilience and commitment to excellence in cricket. It gives me immense pride to highlight the power of sports to unite and inspire, showcasing the immense talent within our country. This win is remarkable, as the team played in a new environment and succeeded with immense guidance from their coaches and skipper, Virender Singh.”
The accomplishments of the deaf cricket team also help raise awareness about the need for better support and opportunities for athletes with disabilities, highlighting the importance of providing equal opportunities and resources for all sportspeople, emphasised Rajeshwari Iyer, a well-known mental health professional. For instance, in this case, partners like Serum Institute of India, KFC India, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., APL Apollo Tubes Ltd., Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt. Ltd., Impact Measurement, and Kaizzen, played a crucial role in supporting the Indian deaf cricketers to achieve their remarkable feat.
