Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 15: Uttar Pradesh defeated Jammu and Kashmir in the first-ever Inter-State Triangular Cricket Tournament for the Blind in a thrilling match played at Gulshan Grounds here today.
The winning team thrashed the host team by eight wickets in the event witnessed by a large number of sports lovers and cricket fans, who applauded the players on every delivery and drive. Shahid Gaji of Uttar Pradesh was declared as the man of the match.
Besides Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh participated in the two-day tournament, inaugurated yesterday.
Huge accolades poured in to the talented cricketers by the audience, who cheered on every ball of the game.
Former Minister and State Secretary National Conference, Surjeet Singh Slathia was the chief guest, who said the event has left an indelible mark on the budding cricketers, which will prove inspirational and game changer for the differently-able sportspersons in particular.
Mr Slathia hailed the societal response towards sensitivities of the visually impaired cricketers and stressed upon the need for providing all necessary assistance, training and coaching to enable such sportspersons realize their dreams. He placed on record his appreciation for the physically challenged people in scripting sagas of success stories and making their mark in every sphere of activity, especially art and sports.
The former minister exuded confidence that the physically challenged sports persons will prove to be motivational and inspirational for others by giving their best to various games.
Mr Slathia gave away prizes and trophies to the winner and runner up teams besides the other participating team at a well attended concluding function.
The Convener of National Federation of Blind, J&K Chapter Mohinder K Badyal introduced the cricketers to the chief guest.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Youth Sports Secretary Blind Association, Naveen Alabit, Balvinder Singh General Secretary of the National Federation of Blind Punjab and District Social Welfare Officer, Jammu.
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