Baramulla Tigers defeats Kupwara Lions to win T10 inclusive cricket match 2021
Societal barriers and stigma, even negative perceptions about disability often act as a huge stumbling block in the way of inclusion of persons with special needs. Sport has a distinct ability to break down linguistic, cultural and social barriers which makes it an excellent platform for strategies of inclusion.
It was no less a challenge to conduct an Inclusive Sports Event in view of the ongoing COVID Pandemic. It took a lot of convincing to bring administration around to the idea and similarly ensure that participants are equally willing to participate in such an event where social distancing could be an issue and the prospect of too many people getting together could be a potential risk.
Moreover, this year’s event was not restricted to cricket only, a carrom and a wheelchair race was also conducted thus adding variety to the event. As such more persons with disabilities got an opportunity to test their physical strength and showcase their talent in different competitions.
A bright sunny day after a heavy downpour a day before the event rendered the ground completely wet. Kudos to the Organizers who had a hard time in making the ground fit for playing.
The teams had turned up for the competition one hour before the event was to start. Since the event was organized in collaboration with Youth Services and Sports Jammu & Kashmir, therefore, arrangement of the venue and other requisite facilities were taken care of by the administration.
All the dignitaries especially from the administration reached the ground just when the game was to get underway. Advisor to the Lt. Governor Mr. Farooq Khan who was the chief guest arrived in time along with other government officials. They were seated in the stands where special seating arrangements were made for them.
The theme for this year’s event was the same as the previous year “Know Me for My Abilities, Not My Disability.”
The match got underway a little late partly due to wet ground and partly due to dignitaries arriving late at the venue, hence, the match had to be reduced to six over a piece. The teams, dignitaries and media all gathered in the middle for the toss to happen. Before the toss were to take place, the advisor to Lt. governor while addressing the gathering complemented Hope Disability Centre for organizing such a unique event terming it a step forward towards empowering specially- abled persons. He said that sports play an important role in psychological and social development and there is a dire need to provide appropriate platform to youth enabling them exhibit their sports talent.
Reiterating administration’s commitment of empowering this vital section of society, advisor said that various measures are being taken up to provide them with proper avenues so that they become able enough to compete at national and international level. He said they constitute an inalienable part of our society.
To ensure that the game is played in a proper spirit, rules were discussed with the team prior to the start of the game. The game was played under similar rules that are used internationally for persons with different disabilities. The competing teams comprised of persons with and without disabilities with a ratio of 70:30.
Since the game was reduced to six overs due to paucity of time, Baramulla Tigers after winning the toss decided to bat and in their allotted six over they scored an a massive score of 129 runs with Romaisar top scoring with 95 runs. In reply Kupwara Lions almost chased down the target by scoring 125 but fell short of five runs to emerge victorious. It nevertheless was an absorbing game of cricket with crowds enjoying every bit of it.
The competition reaffirmed the fact that persons with disabilities can play a competitive sport if given a platform; all they required was support and facilities. It was also a reminder that sport is a best tool of mainstreaming and integration of persons with disabilities with the society.
The joy and fun provided by the other two competitions was no less exciting. Carrom and wheelchair race were equally exciting. The wheel chair race was flagged off by the advisor. It was a sight to behold to see wheelchair bound PwD exerting hard to get past the winning line. Carrom had its share of fun.
As soon as Baramulla Tigers won the match, the winning team broke into celebration. This was followed by award ceremony. The winning team and other participants were felicitated with Baramulla Tigers lifted the winning trophy while Kupwara Lions emerged runners up.
Similarly medallions were given to participants while crowds cheered right through the ceremony.
Other dignitaries that were present on the occasion to lend support to the teams included Secretary Youth services sports, Director Youth Services & Sports, Officer on Special Duty to Advisor to Lt governor, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, SSP Baramulla, Secretary to Advisory Board, Principal Degree College Baramulla, District Social Welfare Officer Baramulla, CMO Baramulla, Principal District and Session judge Baramulla , DPO Baramulla, Director CRC Srinagar, DG Social Welfare Department Kashmir, Chairperson BDC along with members, Chairman BDC .
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