New Delhi. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian cricket team for its historic win in the Champions Trophy for Physically Challenged Cricketers in Colombo, Sri Lanka. India defeated England by 79 runs in a thrilling final at the FTZ Cricket Grounds in Katunayake on Tuesday. Mandaviya said in a statement, “If you are disabled, it does not mean that you cannot make the country proud. Your victory is proof of this.”
He said, “The passion that the Indian disabled cricket team has shown, from the tough selection process to their performance in Sri Lanka, reflects your determination. Winning five out of six matches, including wins over England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, is no small feat.” The Indian team was selected in Udaipur where more than 450 cricketers from 28 states participated in the national competition. Out of these players, 56 players were selected for the Challenger Trophy in Jaipur and finally 17 players were selected to represent India.
On the achievements of disabled players, Mandaviya said, “Our ‘disabled’ players are giving us many opportunities to be proud of and inspiring us to increase our support for them. The government stands with you and you should use your success to inspire more youth on various platforms.” The event was attended by the entire team, coaches, DCCI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan, SWAYAM Founder-President Sminnu Jindal and the Indian Sports Officials of the Authority and Sports Ministry participated.