NTT DATA Sponsors 12-day coaching camp for the top 56 visually impaired cricketers of CABI

Press Release, Jul 5, 2022, 12:32 PM IST

Bengaluru: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled are pleased to announce that NTT DATA, a digital business and IT services leader, is supporting   the top 56 visually impaired cricketers of CABI on their journey to the 3rd T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind. NTT DATA has sponsored a 12-day coaching camp that will host 56 visually impaired cricketers competing for a position on the national team.

“The stage is set for the beginning of qualification for the inaugural edition of our 3rd T20 World Cup,” said Mahantesh G.K., President, CABI. “Thanks to NTT DATA for setting the tone for an exciting build-up to support the game of cricket for the visually impaired. Through this coaching and tournament series, the blind cricketers will be able to showcase their talents in front of the world and help them prepare for a transition by developing soft skills, strong work ethic, and leadership skills essential for their successful performance.”

The coaching camp begins on July 11 and will take place on two grounds in Bengaluru. It will serve as the qualification pathway as the selection committee identifies the top 29 players for further Coaching. 17 of the top 29 players will be selected to represent India at the upcoming Blind World Cup. Once chosen, the players will undergo sports and life skills training, including virtual digital and financial literacy classes leading to their participation in the T-20 World Cup for the Blind.

The players will also receive a monthly stipend for five months to maintain their sports training and fitness schedules to prepare them for this prestigious international tournament

“We are proud to support the top 56 Indian Visually Impaired Cricketers and are looking forward to the display of talent, resilience and strength during the camp,” Ankur Dasgupta, Vice President, Global CSR & India Marketing at NTT DATA Services. “We are also thankful for the positive impact that CABI and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled drive to enhance inclusivity in sports further. Their dedication to increasing the opportunities available for the visually impaired while putting India on the world map is truly commendable.”

The T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind will be held across multiple cities in India and include teams from India, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, Nepal, England Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The tournament has the full support of The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body for cricket in India.

Cricketers attending the coaching camp:

About NTT DATA: 

NTT DATA – a part of NTT Group – is a trusted global innovator of IT and business services headquartered in Tokyo. We help clients transform through consulting, industry solutions, business process services, digital & IT modernization and managed services. NTT DATA enables them, as well as society, to move confidently into the digital future. We are committed to our clients’ long-term success and combine global reach with local client attention to serve them in over 50 countries around the globe. Visit us at nttdata.com.

About CABI:

Cricket association for the Blind in India (CABI), the cricketing arm of Samarthanam, is registered to govern cricket tournaments in India. CABI is the apex body organizing cricket for the blind and is affiliated to World Blind Cricket Ltd (WBC). CABI organizes zonal, state, national and international level cricket tournaments in India and abroad.

The motive behind organizing Cricket for the Blind is to provide the players with a platform to showcase talent. It aids in enhancing the players’ self-confidence, encourages sportsmanship and focuses on skills rather disabilities. The initiative also sensitizes public by inducing a social responsibility to respect people with disabilities, understand their needs and eventually help them merge with mainstream.

About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled:

Registered as a Trust in 1997, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working towards creating education and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and from underserved communities. The larger vision of our organization is to work towards an inclusive society which provides equal opportunities for all. More details can be found at our official website https://www.samarthanam.org/