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India Gazette
28-04-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
India-Sri Lanka Physical Disability T20 series marks historic milestone for inclusive cricket
Bengaluru (Karnataka)[India], April 28 (ANI): In a landmark moment for inclusive sports in India, the pan-disability Indian Cricket Team was officially announced in Monday's press conference in Bengaluru. The spirit of cricket takes a powerful and inclusive leap forward as the India vs Sri Lanka Physical Disability (Standing) T20 Cricket Series prepares to kick off at the Kini Sports Arena, Bengaluru, from April 29 to May 5. This first-of-its-kind bilateral series marks a significant moment in the evolution of adaptive sports in South Asia, spotlighting athletes who personify determination, skill, and perseverance. Organized under the guidance of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), this prestigious series brings together two cricket-loving nations to celebrate the unyielding human spirit and athletic excellence of physically disabled cricketers. Wilspoke Sports and Entertainment proudly hosts this landmark event, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusive platforms in the sporting world. This T20 series will feature elite athletes with physical disabilities (standing category) representing India and Sri Lanka in a multi-match format. The competition promises to be both fierce and inspiring, offering fans a compelling display of high-level cricket driven by unmatched resilience. 'It's a privilege to be part of this historic series, representing our nation on such a meaningful platform. This is more than just cricket--it's a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the power of sport to unite. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ravi Kant Chauhan and Squadron Leader Abhai Pratap Singh for their incredible efforts in bringing Wilspoke on board and making this series possible. I also want to thank Sri Jay Shah for his invaluable support throughout our journey. We're ready, focused, and proud to wear the Indian jersey,' Ravindra Sante, Indian Captain, said in today's press conference. Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Kant Chauhan, Secretary of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India, shared his sentiments: 'It gives me immense pride to witness the historic India-Sri Lanka Bilateral T20 Series for cricketers with physical disability (standing) being hosted by Wilspoke at the Kini Sports Arena, Bengaluru. This remarkable event stands as a beacon of resilience, perseverance, and the unifying power of sport. It reflects the limitless spirit of athletes who, through their passion and determination, inspire millions. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and participating teams and wish for a successful, memorable series that will leave a lasting legacy for the future of inclusive sports.' The matches will serve not only as a competitive platform but also as a celebration of ability, unity, and sportsmanship. By promoting representation and accessibility in cricket, the series aims to drive lasting change and open up new possibilities for aspiring cricketers with disabilities. Sqn Ldr. Abhai Pratap Singh (Retd.) Joint secy - DCCI 'As someone who navigates the world with a wheelchair, I deeply understand the transformative power of sports for people with disabilities. The India-Sri Lanka Bilateral T20 Series for cricketers with physical disabilities is more than just a tournament -- it's a celebration of resilience, determination, and the unbreakable human spirit. This milestone event highlights the incredible talent and courage of athletes who challenge perceptions and inspire us all. I commend Wilspoke for their vision and dedication in hosting this historic series at Kini Sports Arena, Bengaluru. I wish all the athletes the very best. May this tournament strengthen the bonds between our nations, and may it inspire countless individuals with disabilities to believe in their abilities, chase their dreams, and realise that nothing is impossible.' Nishanth AJ, Founder and CEO of Wilspoke Sports and Entertainment, shared his thoughts: 'We are honoured to be part of this transformative event. At Wilspoke, we believe in the power of sports to unite and inspire. This series is a step towards making cricket truly inclusive, ensuring that every talented athlete gets the platform they deserve.' Cricket enthusiasts, corporate sponsors, and sports governing bodies are encouraged to join this transformative initiative as excitement builds. The India vs Sri Lanka Physical Disability T20 Series is more than just a tournament--it is a movement toward equality and empowerment in sports. (ANI)


Times of Oman
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian PM Modi departs for Thailand to attend 6th BIMSTEC Summit
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday morning to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, which will be held on Friday. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a post on X wrote, "PM @narendramodi departs on a visit to Thailand & Sri Lanka." "PM will be paying an Official Visit to Thailand & participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Thereafter, he will proceed on a State Visit to Sri Lanka," it added. PM Modi said that he will be in Thailand and Sri Lanka over the next three days to strengthen India's ties with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries. He also outlined his schedule, including a meeting with Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra and attending the BIMSTEC Summit. He will also meet King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand during his visit. PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting India's cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries." "In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and discussing the full range of India-Thailand friendship. Tomorrow, I will take part in the BIMSTEC Summit and also call on Maha Vajiralongkorn, the King of Thailand," the post added. In another post on his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi wrote, "My visit to Sri Lanka will take place from the 4th till the 6th. This visit comes after the successful visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India. We will review the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka friendship and discuss newer avenues of cooperation. I look forward to the various meetings there." Notably, at the invitation of the Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Modi is visiting Bangkok, Thailand from April 3 - 4 to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on April 4, hosted by Thailand, the current BIMSTEC Chair. This will be the Prime Minister's third visit to Thailand. The MEA said that this would be the first physical meeting of the BIMSTEC Leaders since the fourth BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2018. The last i.e. fifth BIMSTEC Summit was held at Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2022 in virtual format. The 6th Summit's theme is "BIMSTEC - Prosperous, Resilient and Open." The Leaders are expected to deliberate on ways and means to infuse greater momentum to BIMSTEC cooperation during the Summit. The leaders are also expected to discuss various institution and capacity-building measures to augment collaboration within the BIMSTEC framework. India has been taking a number of initiatives in BIMSTEC to strengthen regional cooperation and partnership, including in enhancing security; facilitating trade and investment; establishing physical, maritime and digital connectivity; collaborating in food, energy, climate and human security; promoting capacity building and skill development; and enhancing people-to-people ties. On the bilateral front, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with Shinawatra today. During the meeting, the two Prime Ministers are expected to review bilateral cooperation and chart the way for future partnership between the countries. India and Thailand are maritime neighbours with shared civilizational bonds underpinned by cultural, linguistic, and religious ties.