Divyang Indian Cricket League 2024 Kicks Off

The Divyang Indian Cricket League 2024 commenced on Thursday, uniting 120 hearing and visually impaired cricketers from across India in a competition that celebrates inclusivity in sports. Organized in partnership with the Deaf Cricket Federation, the tournament is set to conclude with the final match on November 16 at the Punjab Armed Police Grounds in Jalandhar.

The league is structured into two categories: hearing impaired and visually impaired, with 90 hearing impaired and 30 visually impaired players competing. International players from Sri Lanka and Nepal are also participating, adding an international dimension to the event.

Eight teams are competing in the league, with six teams in the hearing impaired category—Sign Smashers, Deaf Defender, Unity Tigers, Divyang Warriors, Empower Deaf Eagles, and Deaf Diving Strikers—and two teams in the visually impaired category, Special Kings and Courageous Tigers.

The tournament was inaugurated at Lovely Professional University by Aman Mittal, vice president of the university, alongside Kashmir Singh, retired Additional Director General of CISF. M.F. Farooqui, Additional Director General of Police, Punjab, served as the chief guest, with Himanshu Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, as the guest of honor.

“It is platforms like this one that truly embody the spirit of inclusivity and sportsmanship,” said Komal Mehra, Head of Sports Initiatives & Associations at Usha International. “The league not only celebrates the incredible talent and perseverance of each player but also inspires us all.”