Ludhiana, April 29, 2022 (News Team): Underpinning its commitment to supporting inclusive sporting initiatives, USHA today announced its continued association with All India Cricket Association for the Deaf (AICAD) and Deaf Cricket Federation of Punjab as sponsors of the 7th edition of the Usha Divyang Cricket League. To be played in Chandigarh, this year the league will witness over 150 specially-abled cricketers play across three categories: visually impaired, hearing impaired, and wheelchair categories. The inauguration ceremony for the League will be held on 2nd May, 2022 at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh.
The three-day cricket tournament with matches starting from May 2 will witness 9 teams of specially-abled cricketers and Smt. Poonam Khaira Sidhu I.R.S., Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax is expected to grace the inaugural match with her presence as Chief Guest, along with Sh. Kuldeep Singh Chahal IPS, SSP Chandigarh, as Guest of Honor.
The matches will begin early morning (7.00 a.m.) and be played across three cricket stadiums – Sector 16, Sector 26 Government Senior Secondary School, and Punjab University ground. The League will be played in T-20 format for deaf cricketers and follow the T-10 overs format for wheelchair cricketers. While players from most states have been part of earlier editions of this League, this is the first year deaf cricketers from Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland will also be participating. Keeping in mind viewers who may not be able to attend the event in-person, the final match will also be live-streamed on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Commenting on the association, Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations at Usha International, said, “Our association with the Divyang Cricket League underpins our commitment to inclusive sports and aligns with Usha’s ‘Play’ ethos aimed to encourage the youth to stay active and healthy. The grit of those who rise above all odds to showcase their resolve and determination on the field is applause-worthy. The pandemic has brought about an awareness about physical and mental health like never before and Usha’s intent is to reinforce this message while enabling people from all walks of life to hone their talent via platforms that are available to all, starting from the grassroots level.”
Usha International is an avid supporter and promoter of a wide array of inclusive sporting initiatives across the country that encourage and inspire budding athletes to follow their passion. Some of Usha’s initiatives include its long-standing association with the Mumbai Indians team, its recent partnership with Cricketer Mithali Raj, cricket for the differently-abled, Ultimate Flying Disc for the lesser privileged, ancient, and indigenous sports like Mallakhamb, Siat Khnam, and Kalari, sports for the visually challenged (Athletics, Kabaddi, Judo, and Powerlifting), as well as football. In the past, Usha has also been a key sponsor for the Indian Deaf Cricket Team for the Deaf Cricket Asia Cup.
