We Are So Obsessed With The IPL That We Don't Even Know That India Are Playing A Wheelchair Cricket Tournament

While the entire world is glued on to IPL, one of the biggest platforms where the differently-abled cricketers from all over the world face off is about to get underway. But the question is, how many of us really know about wheelchair cricket? Yes, it is an alien concept for many who have no notion about the fact that disabled people can be athletes too.

Civilianwelfare Foundation

From its inception since 2012, probably a handful of people even have heard its name or know that a sport like this even exists. All around when people are busy debating the World Cup squad, but few even know about the teams who play wheelchair cricket and the players. The saddest part is Bengal lags the most in this platform. Hardly any wheelchair-bound people take any interest or believe that they can be athletes too.

Believe it or not, it has been thoroughly researched and penned down in reputed journals how sports can create an inclusive environment for mental development. It can impart confidence, provide more social networking opportunities and overall shape up a person who can overcome all the social hurdles and mental barriers of disability. It is high time Bengal realises this, the country realises this. 6 states have active players in the Wheelchair Cricket's Indian National Team, but how many players from Bengal? None! So, this time, in general to increase the social awareness of the general populace as well as to encourage more disabled athletes to come forward and participate in more numbers in this form of the sport.

Civilianwelfare Foundation

The WCI and CWF together have taken a unique step to bring the India-Nepal-Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Tri-Series Tournament to Kolkata, after 4 long years. This is a beacon of hope and a push to all those people and show them that nothing can limit you to be a part of this game. But the tragedy doesn't end here. Why do we have so limited knowledge on this matter? It is due to the lack of media coverage. This people can really win hearts as they face the battle of life.

If you want to watch them, mark the calendar from 26th to 28th April at NKDA Stadium, New Town for the India-Nepal-Bangladesh Wheelchair Cricket Tri-Series Tournament.

Civilianwelfare Foundation

Civilian Welfare Foundation, a research based non-profit organisation has long been associated with the disability sector and Paralympics with special focus on regional athletes.

So let's go and support these guys. They need it and have earned the right to be cheered. They may be restricted to a wheelchair, but their spirit is untamed.