The Haryana Wheelchair Cricket Team has achieved a remarkable victory at the prestigious National CM Trophy T20 Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2024, held from August 5th to 11th at The Vikasa School in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu by scoring 166/7 and defeating Karnataka team by 16 runs. The tournament, organized by the Tamil Nadu Wheelchair Cricket Association under the aegis of the Wheelchair Cricket India Association (WCIA) and the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), witnessed fierce competition among eight state teams: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana.
Under the exceptional leadership of Captain Sandeep Kundu, who was also honored with the Man of the Series award for his extraordinary performance, the Haryana team showcased their prowess by winning all their matches in the tournament. Kundu’s stunning achievement of scoring 392 runs throughout the series stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and unyielding spirit. His leadership on the field was complemented by a batting lineup that proved to be relentless, as well as bowlers who executed their strategies with precision and skill.
The Haryana team comprised talented players from various districts, including Faridabad, Karnal, Kaithal, Fatehabad, and Sonipat, who all played pivotal roles in securing this prestigious title. The team included Sandeep Kundu (captain), Rajesh Verma, Ved Pal, Pardeep Kumar, Pardeep Dahiya, Sitaram Saini, Deepak Chahal, Jagir Singh, Prince, Sheel Chand, Vajid, Vinay Balguher, and was coached by Jagroop, whose was this tournament’s team coach and whose guidance and mentorship were instrumental in the team’s success.
Throughout the championship, the Haryana players demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience. The batting lineup consistently delivered powerful performances, while the bowlers maintained tight control over their opponents, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Each member of the team brought their A-game, making the victory a collective achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of every player.
The Haryana Wheelchair Cricket Association (HWCA), the official body overseeing wheelchair cricket in the state of Haryana under Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), extended its heartfelt congratulations to the team. HWCA President, Mr. Anuraag Kashyap, received the players on New Delhi Railway Station on 14th August and praised the players for their outstanding performance, stating, “This victory marks the dawn of a new era in wheelchair cricket. The commitment and talent displayed by our players will undoubtedly lead to more triumphs in the future. HWCA is committed to nurturing this spirit and looks forward to discovering and developing new talents who will continue to shine on the national stage.”
Mr. Kashyap emphasized that this victory is just the beginning, expressing his confidence in the team’s future successes. “Haryana will outshine in all upcoming national series and tournaments in wheelchair cricket with its talented and hardworking players. The players have been highly motivated and are now more determined than ever to achieve even greater heights. This win complements our team mantra: ‘Jeet ki Taiyaari hai, Ab Humari baari hai.’”
HWCA invites new players, sponsors, and volunteers to join this growing sports revolution, which is not only about winning games but also about fostering inclusivity and empowerment through the sport of cricket. Interested individuals and organizations can visit the HWCA website at http://www.HaryanaWheelchairCricket.org for more information on how to get involved and support this inspiring journey.