Samarthanam Cup 2026: Karnataka blind cricket tournament reaches semifinal stage
Synopsis
Eight district teams, 12 league matches, and one afternoon to decide Karnataka's blind cricket champion. The Samarthanam Cup 2026 reaches its semifinal stage in Bengaluru on Friday, with the tournament also serving as a national talent pipeline — making this far more than a local competition.
Key Takeaways
Samarthanam Cup 2026 semifinals are set for Friday, 16 May 2026 in Bengaluru .
Deepa Academy Bengaluru vs JSB Ramanagara and Samarthanam Bengaluru vs Asha Kirana Chikkaballapura are the two semifinal fixtures.
Winners receive ₹31,000 and a trophy; runners-up receive ₹21,000 ; all other teams receive ₹10,000 participation prizes.
Eight teams from Karnataka districts played 12 matches over three league-stage days in the 10-over format.
The tournament is a talent identification platform for future state and national-level coaching camps .
Organised by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled (est.
1997 ) and recognised by CABI .
The Samarthanam Cup 2026 – Karnataka Men's Cricket Tournament for the Blind advances to its semifinal stage in Bengaluru on Friday, 16 May 2026, with four teams vying for the title and a top cash prize of ₹31,000. The tournament, organised by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and recognised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), has drawn eight district-level teams from across Karnataka.
Semifinal Fixtures
Deepa Academy Bengaluru will face JSB Ramanagara in the first semifinal, while Samarthanam Bengaluru takes on Asha Kirana Chikkaballapura in the second. The two winners will meet in the grand finale, scheduled later the same afternoon.
Prize Structure
The winning team walks away with a cash prize of ₹31,000 and a trophy. The runners-up receive ₹21,000 and a trophy. All remaining participating teams are awarded a participation prize of ₹10,000 each — a structure designed to encourage continued involvement in blind cricket across the state.
How the Tournament Unfolded
The 10-over tournament was inaugurated on 12 May 2026 at the Ramu Sports Arena by Dr. Mahantesh G K, Founder and Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust, in the presence of Karnataka Cricket Association for the Blind (KCAB) members. Over three days of league-stage play, eight teams contested 12 competitive matches before the field was narrowed to four. The knockout stage was confirmed after league rounds concluded on Wednesday, 14 May 2026.
Beyond the Game: Scouting and Inclusion
The tournament doubles as a talent identification platform. Standout performers are being considered for future state and national-level coaching camps, giving visually impaired cricketers a pathway into structured development programmes. This comes amid a broader push by Samarthanam Trust — registered in 1997 — to create education, livelihood, and sporting opportunities for persons with disabilities and underserved communities. Notably, competitive sport has historically opened employment avenues for visually impaired and physically challenged individuals, and the Trust views tournaments like this as an extension of that mission.
About Samarthanam Trust
Founded in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled works toward an inclusive society offering equal opportunities across education, livelihood, and sport. Through its sports body CABI, the Trust organises blind cricket at state and national levels, providing structured competition for visually impaired athletes across India.
Point of View
Though modest, signals institutional intent. The real measure will be how many players identified here actually make it into formal coaching programmes, and whether CABI can leverage visibility from events like this into sustainable sponsorship.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Samarthanam Cup 2026?
The Samarthanam Cup 2026 is the Karnataka Men's Cricket Tournament for the Blind, a 10-over competition organised by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and recognised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). Eight district-level teams from Karnataka are competing for a top prize of ₹31,000.
Who are the semifinalists in the Samarthanam Cup 2026?
The four semifinalists are Deepa Academy Bengaluru, JSB Ramanagara, Samarthanam Bengaluru, and Asha Kirana Chikkaballapura. Deepa Academy faces JSB Ramanagara in one tie, while Samarthanam Bengaluru takes on Asha Kirana Chikkaballapura in the other.
When and where are the semifinals being held?
The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, 16 May 2026, in Bengaluru. The grand finale between the two winners will be played later the same afternoon.
What prizes are on offer at the Samarthanam Cup 2026?
The winning team receives ₹31,000 and a trophy, the runners-up receive ₹21,000 and a trophy, and all remaining participating teams receive a participation prize of ₹10,000 each.
Why is the Samarthanam Cup significant beyond the tournament itself?
The tournament serves as a talent identification platform for visually impaired cricketers, with standout players being considered for state and national-level coaching camps. It is part of Samarthanam Trust's broader mission — active since 1997 — to create inclusive sporting and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
