Surat is set to witness a historic sporting event as the world’s largest men's and women's wheelchair cricket tournament is scheduled to take place at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium from March 23 to 25. Organized by Manas Seva Charitable Trust, this groundbreaking tournament will feature 12 teams from nine states across India, with four women's teams and eight men's teams participating. The event will mark the first time in the world that male and female wheelchair cricket players will compete at the same venue.
As per agency report, the tournament will commence with a grand opening ceremony on March 22 at 7 PM, featuring a rally of 200 specially-abled athletes from Guest House to Parle Point in Surat. Teams from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu will take part in this prestigious competition. The participating states will field both men's and women's teams from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Manas Seva Trust has been actively working to promote wheelchair cricket in India. Trust chairman Nemichand Jangid revealed that the initiative began in 2020 after witnessing the incredible passion and talent of specially-abled cricket players during a match. Since then, three wheelchair cricket tournaments have been successfully organized, with this year's event set to take place on an even larger scale. The tournament champions will be awarded a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, while all 180 participating players will receive cricket kits, specially designed wheelchairs, and other necessary amenities. Furthermore, all 12 teams will receive cash prizes, irrespective of their final standings.
Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team captain Ramesh Prakash Sartape emphasized the significance of this tournament, noting that while several wheelchair cricket events take place in India, this is the first of its kind on such a grand scale. He highlighted that the event would not only provide players with a platform to showcase their skills but also promote inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports.
The tournament's inauguration will be graced by several prominent dignitaries, including Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, and Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal. Additionally, Haroon Khan, General Secretary of the Disabled Cricket Control Board of India, and Dr. Bhagwan Talware, Joint President of the board, will attend as special guests.
This historic tournament is expected to not only bring much-deserved recognition to wheelchair cricket players but also reinforce the message of inclusivity and equal opportunities for specially-abled athletes in India.
