Punjab Guv bats for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities

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Match organised at DAV College under the Stronger Without Drugs campaign

Chandigarh, September 19

The Chandigarh wheelchair cricket team defeated the Punjab wheelchair cricket team in a T20 match organised by the Wheelchair Cricket Association Chandigarh (Tricity) at the DAV College Sports Ground, Sector 10, here on Saturday.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria attended the match as the chief guest and presented the award to the winning team.

The one-day tournament was organised by the Wheelchair Cricket Association Chandigarh (Tricity), with DAV College, Sector 10, as the official sponsor. The tournament was aimed at providing wheelchair cricket players a platform to showcase their talent, abilities and sporting skills. The association had announced that the event would feature T20 matches between Chandigarh and Punjab teams.

The event carried the message of a drug-free society and healthy lifestyle under the Stronger Without Drugs campaign. The Governor administered an anti-drug pledge to players of both teams and urged youngsters to stay away from drugs and play sports, fitness and discipline a part of their lives.

Batting first after winning the toss, Punjab scored 109 for five in 15 overs. Raja top-scored with 31 runs off 22 balls, while Hardeep Singh Gill contributed 20 runs.

Chandigarh chased down the target in 13.5 overs, scoring 112 for five. Rohit Anotra played a sparkling knock of 55 runs off 22 balls, while Ranjit Singh remained unbeaten on 29.

Speaking on the occasion, Kataria said it was the first time he had watched wheelchair cricket in Punjab. He said he had participated in the event last year as well and was present again this year.

Kataria said people should be given opportunities to enhance their abilities, adding that while people had talent, they did not always get adequate opportunities to develop it.

The Governor said disability was not a weakness and that if God had taken something away, He had given other abilities as well. Stressing the importance of confidence, he said such persons could contribute to making the nation stronger.

Kataria also said people had been connected with sports through the Khelo India Games.

Referring to the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games, he said participants were winning medals for the country. Kataria cited the example of a 16-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir who, despite having no hands, won a gold medal with the help of her legs, saying such achievements brought pride to the nation.

On issues of UPI in Chandigarh, the UT Administrator said, “We are trying our best. Whatever problems are coming, we are trying to solve them and within the legal process, we are trying to resolve their problems.”

Dr Rupesh K. Singh, president, Wheelchair Cricket Association, Chandigarh Tricity, said the match was not merely about winning or losing, but a celebration of the determination, talent and spirit of the players. He said wheelchair cricket showcases the ability and confidence of players and sends a wider message that with the right opportunities and platforms, people can excel despite challenges.

Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjeet Mehta announced that modern sports wheelchairs would be provided to all 24 players from the Chandigarh and Punjab teams. He also announced that the next match between the two teams would be organised under floodlights at the PCA ground.

During the programme, the Governor presented trophies to the winners and runners-up. Man of the Match and Bowler of the Match awards were also presented. Chandigarh received a cash prize of Rs 21,000, while Punjab was awarded Rs 11,000.

The Governor appreciated the sporting spirit and determination of the wheelchair cricketers and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence.

Those present included Navin Ratthu, Director, Social Welfare; Mona Narang, Principal, DAV College; Dr Mohinder, Joint Director, Sports, among others.