Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Press Conference

Hyderabad to play host for Semi Finals of 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind on February 10, 2017

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, the parent body of Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) inaugurated its new Branch at Hyderabad.

HYDERABAD: As the preparations for 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017 are on in full swing, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, the parent body of Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) expands its reach to Telangana by opening a new branch in Hyderabad earlier today.

The newly opened branch of Samarthanam also boasts of a Braille & Audio Library in its premises. The objective of the project is to ensure easy access to braille books, besides which the initiative also aims at encouraging braille reading and writing amongst the visually impaired students, helping them develop language proficiency.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Mahantesh G K, Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and President, Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said, “Glad to be expanding to another important city of the country with a vision of making a difference in the lives of differently abled children. We intend to set up a state of the art learning centre, design and implement many more disabled friendly programmes in the near future. We are thankful to the proactive interest shown by the Government of Telangana. Looking forward to their partnership in promoting this noble cause”
On this occasion, organizing a Semi Final Match of the upcoming 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017 in Hyderabad on February 10, 2017 was also announced.

“I’m glad that Hyderabad is hosting the Semi-Final and I am sure that India will play here as our boys are giving their best in the Training Camp. Hyderabad also boasts of producing many famous cricketers, and one of the main reason was the support bestowed upon them by the people. I urge the people of Telangana to show their support by visiting the match in huge numbers and cheering the players. ” added Mr. Mahantesh.

The tournament will be played from January 28 to February 12, with the tournament inaugural hosted in New Delhi and the Tournament Grand Finale in Bengaluru. India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies will be participating in the World Cup. The tournament will be played on a league-cum-knockout basis in 10 cities across India.

The Chief Guest of the programmes, Mr. S Niranjan Reddy - Vice Chairman - Planning Board, Government of Telangana expressed "It is extremely gratifying to see organizations like Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled making widespread impact in the lives of the differently abled across India. I congratulate them for their expansion into the State of Telangana and I wholeheartedly welcome them. I will render the best possible support to the organization and its endeavours in Telangana.
Hyderabad is hosting a Semi-final Match of the upcoming T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, I welcome all the participating teams. This will be a great source of encouragement for the visually impaired to take up the sport and empower their physical ability to meet the necessary challenges of all time.”

Mr. Subu M Kota - President, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled - Boston, USA quoted “Opening of Samarthanam in Telangana will benefit the visually impaired and the differently abled children to a great extent. We strongly support this cause.

Wishing the organization to grow well and serve the needy with the same benevolence it has been since close to 2 decades.”
In November 2016, Rahul Dravid was announced as the Brand Ambassador for this edition of the T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. He also launched CABVs ’Support Blind Cricket by buying a Cricket Ball* campaign on the occasion. General public can purchase a cricket ball online https://www.blindcricket.in/buv-blind-cncket-ball/to support the cause of cricket for the blind. In December 2016, Induslnd Bank has partnered up with CABl to support Indian Blind Cricket Team

Expenses towards Hosting and Organizing the 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind is estimated at INR 8 Crores. CABl appeals to corporates, govt, and people of the country to come forward to sponsor and contribute. AU contributions are exempt from Income Tax under 35AC and 80G. Additionally it is also listed under the Para-Sports category of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative.

Mr. B Venkatesham, IAS - Secretary to Government of Telangana (Tourism B. Culture, Sports and Youth Services); Ms. Zahara Begum - Advisor on Board, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Head - Organizing Committee for Telangana and AP, T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017; Mr. MJ Srikant - Strategist On Board, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Member of Organizing Committee, 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind 2017; Mr. Venkateshwara Reddy - Chairman, Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS); and Mr. A DinakarBabu, \AS - Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS) were also present at the occasion.

About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is a National Award winning NGO established in the year 1997 by Founder Managing Trustee Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and his schoolmate and childhood friend, Late. Nagesh SP. Samarthanam works for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the underserved. Samarthanam caters to people in need by providing plethora of services including quality education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training, sports and placement based rehabilitation. The initiatives of Samarthanam strive towards creating opportunities for them to keep pace with the rest of the society. For more details visit www.samarthanam.org

About CABI
The Cricket Association for the Blind (CABI) is the apex body that organizes and conducts cricket for the blind across India. CABI was handed over the responsibility of promoting and organizing cricket for the blind by the previous body Association for Cricket for the Blind in India - ACBI, in 2010. It is a registered Non-Profit Organization, affiliated to the World Blind Cricket Limited (WBC). CABI is the sports initiative of a Bangalore based NGO, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. For more details visit www.blindcricket.in