Visually challenged boys showcase cricket talent

The BNI Gurgaon and BNI Faridabad organised a charity match “Cricket for Blind” as a CSR event last week at Wisteria Club, Baliawas, Gurgaon. The match proved that the will itself finds a way to scale the towering heights against all the odds. The match aimed at creating an ideal society free from discrimination that focuses on freedom, equality, liberty and balance.

The members comprising businesspersons, professionals and entrepreneurs of BNI Gurgaon / Faridabad organised this event in association with ‘Samarthanam Trust for disabled’ and ‘Cricket Association for the blind in Indian (CABI)’ to raise funds for Samarthanam. The match was conducted between visually impaired members of the ‘National Blind Cricket Team’ and members of the BNI Gurgaon and Faridabad regions.

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is a National Award winning NGO, which works towards empowering visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people in India. The Cricket Association for the blind in India (CABI) is the Sports pillar and the cricketing arm of Samarthanam. CABI is the apex body organising cricket for the blind and is affiliated to World Blind Cricket Ltd (WBC).

BNI Gurgaon and Faridabad together represent over 1200 entrepreneurs, professionals and businesspersons who have come together on a simple philosophy of Givers Gain, to change the way the world does business. It is a part of BNI International which has over 280,000 members worldwide, and over 40,000 members in India alone.

In spite of being a cricket-loving nation, there is a lack of recognition and sponsorship for blind cricket and the players. Arranging Funds for CABI remains the biggest challenge, as both central government, as well as state government, do not recognise blind cricket. Events like Cricket for the blind was an opportunity to showcase challenges faced by blind cricketers and to get a chance to raise some funds for the cause.

The main motivation behind organising ‘Cricket for the Blind’ was to showcase the inspirational story of the blind cricketers who have overcome all odds and displayed great grit. The story of entrepreneurship is similar especially during the great pause of the last 18 months. The spirit of entrepreneurs and businesspersons was challenged like never before but great resilience was shown by them to overcome all challenges.

The National Blind Cricket team scored 174 runs and won this match with their all-around performance and won the hearts of many present there. The successful completion of this event by BNI Gurgaon and Faridabad has set an example to others so as to organise more valuable CSR events.

“Life will keep throwing stones, but one should keep finding the diamonds. I feel honoured to be a part of this remarkable event and to witness this miraculous event. These outstanding cricketers are an inspiration for us. We should learn from them. I would request our society to give due importance and respect to the talent of our disabled friends.” Rakesh Kochhar, Executive Director BNI Gurgaon and Faridabad spoke in his address.