Cricketers with visual disabilities shine in Anantnag cricket match

Anantnag, Aug 2: In a step toward inclusive sports, a special league cricket match for visually impaired players was held at Government Model Higher Secondary School (GMHSS) Boys Anantnag, Brakpora.

The event, as per a statement issued on Saturday, brought together 20 visually disabled cricketers from across seven districts of Kashmir—Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Baramulla, and Srinagar—marking a celebration of resilience, talent, and equal opportunity on the cricket field.

The initiative to organise this inclusive event was taken by Javed Ahmad Tak, Chairman of Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline, who approached Manzoor Ahmad, Principal of GMHSS Anantnag, with the proposal. The entire match was fully sponsored by GMHSS Anantnag, reaffirming the school’s commitment to promoting inclusive sports and opportunities for students with disabilities.

Two teams—SB Titans and Rising Stars—competed under the captainship of Ghulam Mohideen Lone (Shopian) and Yasir Ahmad Khan, respectively. SB Titans won the toss and opted to bat first.

Despite a slow start, SB Titans scored 67 runs, with key contributions from captain Ghulam Mohideen Lone (32 runs), Mushtaq Shah (12 runs), and Amir Bashir (10 runs).

Rising Stars, in response, struggled to chase the target. A brief 20-run partnership between Lateef Bhati and Ghulam Mohideen Sheikh offered some resistance, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make an impact. SB Titans’ exceptional fielding restricted Rising Stars to 52 runs, resulting in a 15-run victory for SB Titans.

Since the cricketers hailed from various districts, 16 players were provided overnight accommodation at Palah Home Nanil, facilitated by District Social Welfare Officer Anantnag, Muzaffar Ahmad Malik. Dinner and breakfast were also arranged for the players to ensure their comfort during the event.

The match was inaugurated by Manzoor Ahmad, principal of GMHSS Anantnag, along with Padma Shri awardee and disability rights activist Javed Ahmad Tak. In his welcome address, Principal Manzoor Ahmad stated that “persons with disabilities are not ordinary; they possess immense talent. What’s needed is equal opportunity and access to facilities for them to thrive.”

Javed Ahmad Tak praised the achievements of visually impaired individuals like P. K. Pincha, Sam Tarapurwala, Ketan Kothari, and Murali, who have become role models for the blind community in India. He also highlighted the work of Danish Mahajan, founder of Radio Udan, for improving communication access for the blind sector. He further applauded Tariq Bashir, an assistant professor at Government Degree College Utrusoo Shangus, who, despite 100% visual disability, continues to serve in academia. Tak also acknowledged Abrar Bhat and Nadeem from Gopalpora, currently working in Punjab National Bank. Despite 100% blindness, Ruhi Jan of Hanjan Kulgam Made entry in the Department of Education, University of Kashmir, in the capacity of Assistant Professor, and Zakiya Manzoor of Bijbehara Completed an MA in history from the world-renowned Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and is preparing for research in women’s education in J&K during Dogra rule, Tak added. The blind sector has been innovative and intelligent. The technology has made them more competent and instrumental.

During the valedictory session, Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Anantnag, Tariq Ahmad Malik, and Principal Manzoor Ahmad distributed medals, mementos, certificates, and cricket jerseys to both the winning and runner-up teams. Young cricketers Musaib Yousuf from Sopore and Junaid Bhati from Shopian were honoured with tablets to support their educational pursuits.

Teachers Anjum and Rifat Jan from GMHSS Anantnag assisted the players throughout the event, ensuring their safe mobility and overall comfort.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Tariq Bashir and Javed Ahmad Tak, acknowledging the efforts of the organising committee, sports wing, faculty, and school staff. The principal of GMHSS Anantnag reaffirmed the school’s commitment to organising more inclusive events in the future, ensuring representation and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Tak extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to the organising committee, sports wing, faculty, and supporting staff for their collective efforts in organising this inclusive sports event. The principal of GMHSS Anantnag assured that more such events will be held in the future to promote inclusion and empowerment of students with disabilities.