The 5th National Physical Disability Elite Cricket Tournament got underway in Bengaluru on Monday, 18 May, with a grand inaugural ceremony marked by colourful cultural performances representing Karnataka and spirited participation from players and officials drawn from across the country. The tournament, organised under the aegis of the Karnataka State Divyang Cricket Association, offers top disability cricketers a national competitive platform to demonstrate their skill and determination.

Key Developments

This year's edition introduces a significant structural change: the Elite Tournament has been restricted to the top 12 teams, trimmed down from the earlier format that featured 24 teams. A separate Plate Group competition will be held concurrently for the remaining teams, ensuring broader participation while raising the standard of the elite bracket.

The inaugural ceremony was formally launched with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included PCCAI President Surendra Lohiya, DCCI and PCCAI General Secretary Ravikant Chauhan, Paralympic Committee Chairman Satyanarayana, Karnataka Divyang Cricket Association President Hemchandra, and Secretary Santosh Gowda. Former international players were also honoured during the proceedings.

What the Organisers Said

Ravikant Chauhan said the restructured format was designed to identify India's finest disability cricketers and prepare them for future international representation. He noted that players are being motivated through special awards, including cars and scooters as 'Man of the Series' prizes. 'Our objective is to provide world-class facilities to differently-abled players and continuously improve their standard of play. We are focusing on training, competitions, and all international-level requirements so that players do not face any shortcomings,' Chauhan said.

Surendra Lohiya said the organisation had been working to uplift disability cricket for the past 15 years. He stated that approximately ₹30.36 lakh had already been distributed as 'Man of the Match' prizes in national tournaments, and claimed the organisation was the first in the country to award ₹11,000 to every 'Man of the Match' winner. In total, more than ₹87 lakh in prize money has been distributed among players so far, according to Lohiya.

Push for International Recognition

Paralympic Committee Chairman Satyanarayana said the Paralympic Committee, in association with DCCI, is actively working towards securing the inclusion of mixed disability cricket in the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games. He expressed confidence that disability cricket would earn greater recognition at the international level in the coming years.

This comes amid growing global momentum for para-sports inclusion, with several disability cricket formats gaining traction in South Asia. Notably, this is the fifth consecutive edition of the national-level Elite tournament, reflecting sustained institutional commitment to the sport.

Road Ahead

Organisers underscored the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and national unity, and expressed gratitude to sponsors, supporters, and sports enthusiasts for enabling the tournament's large-scale conduct. The restructured Elite format is expected to sharpen competition and accelerate the pipeline of internationally ready disability cricketers from India.