Don’t bother about the result, I am sure you will win the Trophy: Rohan Jaitley

Indian Cricket Team for Physically Disabled Champions Trophy 2025 Honoured at Send-Off Ceremony by DCCI and Svayam

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, Dronacharya awardee cricket coach Raj Kumar Sharma, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam and officials of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India with Indian team selected to participate in the Physical Disabled Cricket Champions Trophy 2025, Sri Lanka, during the send-off ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday.

I congratulate the cricketers who have been selected for the Indian team to represent the country at the PD Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. Each athletes has worked very hard to secure a berth in the team and therefore I urge all the athletes, don’t bother about the result, enjoy the journey and I am sure you will  win the cup. I would also like to congratulate Svayam for their support to the team and the work that they do for accessibility in India.Less is done, lot has to be done.We have been supporting DCCI and will keep doing that- Rohan Jaitley, President, DDCA

                   Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) in collaboration with leading accessibility organization Svayam hosted a send-off ceremony for the Indian team selected to participate in the Physical Disabled Cricket Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 12th – 21st January 2025. The event that was organized at The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, New Delhi was graced with the presence of Mr. Rohan Jaitley, President, DDCA, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, DCCI officials, players, and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rohan Jaitley, President, DDCA said, “I congratulate the cricketers who have been selected for the Indian team to represent the country at the PD Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka. Each athletes has worked very hard to secure a berth in the team and therefore I urge all the athletes don’t bother about the result, enjoy the journey and I am sure you will  win the cup. I would also like to congratulate Svayam for their support to the team and the work that they do for accessibility in India.”

On behalf of DDCA Dronacharya awardee cricket coach Raj Kumar Sharma and Amit Grover, Joint Secretary DDCA presented cricket kit to the players. Rohan Jaitley promised all sort of support to the cricketers in the future also. He said, “Less is done, lot has to be done.We have been supporting DCCI and will keep doing that.”

The Indian team, comprising 17 players, was finalized after a rigorous training camp in Jaipur led by Head Coach Rohit Jhalani, former Rajasthan Ranji Captain. The team will face strong international sides such as England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan during the tournament.

Highlighting the need for accessibility and inclusivity in sports, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, said, “It fills me with immense pride to witness these exceptional athletes representing India on a prestigious global stage. Partnering with DCCI for the 2025 Physically Disabled Cricket Champions Trophy is a testament to our commitment towards – accessibility in sports.For over 25 years, we have been dedicated to advocating for accessible built environments and transportation systems for individuals with reduced mobility. By advancing accessibility, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of physical limitations.This sponsorship reflects our unwavering mission to integrate accessibility into every aspect of life, including sports. We wish Team India the very best for their upcoming matches and look forward to strengthening India’s global leadership in para-sports.”

Mr. Ravikant Chauhan, General Secretary, DCCI, stated, “The team has been put together after a rigorous selection process. We are confident that this team will do well in the tournament and bring laurels to India. DCCI as an organisation has been nurturing differently-abled cricketers for many years and has always tried to provide a platform for emerging talent. In this team too there are some very talented cricketers, including two from Kashmir. This process of putting the team together has been made possible because of the support of our coaches, support staff and other stakeholders. I would like to take this opportunity to thank accessibility NGO Svayam which has been supporting DCCI for many years and is supporting the team even in this tournament. It is with this inclusive mindset that we can take differently-abled cricket forward.”

The Indian team will begin their campaign in Sri Lanka on January 12 with a match against Pakistan, followed by games against England and Sri Lanka; with the tournament finally concluding with the Mega Final scheduled on January 21, 2025.

In India, where cricket is a national passion, ensuring accessibility in sports is essential for fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. People with reduced physical mobilities often face significant barriers to participation in sports, ranging from lack of adapted infrastructure to limited training resources. By enhancing accessibility, particularly in cricket, we can empower cricketers with reduced mobilities, promote diversity in sports, and create a more inclusive sporting culture.

About Svayam

Svayam, a not-for-profit organization has been working at the helm to transform India’s accessibility agenda, with initiatives dedicated to enhancing inclusivity and accessibility in various spheres; one sector primarily being sports. In the past, Svayam has collaborated with the DCCI (Disabled Cricket Council of India), the Paralympic Committee of India, the Khelo India Para Games, and more.