UP Strikers lifted the first Indian Wheelchair Cricket League defeating Delhi Sultans by a narrow margin of four runs in the final at Lancers International School, DLF5, Gurugram on Monday.
The three-day tournament will now be followed by the Asia Cup towards the end of 2018 which would entail participation of six countries.
After losing the toss and being invited to bat first, UP Strikers’ batsman Anmol Vashisht put up a scintillating performance scoring 56 runs in 59 balls to help his side set up a formidable total of 96 for the loss of 5 wickets.
In response, Delhi Sultans managed to get 92 runs in 16.3 overs falling short by just four runs. The tournament witnessed four teams ~ Delhi Sultans, UP Strikers, Chandigarh Lions and South Warriors.
It is the brainchild of Para Sports Foundation that has been actively working towards the social welfare of persons with disabilities and was instrumental in organising the India-Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Series in New Delhi.
India Head of International Committee of Red Cross Saija Lukkarinen said, “Indian Wheelchair Cricket League provided a good platform for persons with disabilities to play cricket with true sportsmanship. Sports for all should be encouraged for children and women as well.”
Among those present on the occasion were Guest of Honour Major General Dilawar Singh, Director General, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs. On the success of the tournament president of Para Sports Foundation Sarvesh Kumar Tiwari said, “It is heartening to note that the tournament received an overwhelming response.”