NTT DATA Sponsors 12-Day Coaching Camp for the Top 56 Visually Impaired Cricketers of CABI

The coaching camp marks the beginning of a five-month program culminating in the 3rd T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind

Bengaluru, India – July 5, 2022 – NTT DATA is pleased to announce their support to the top 56 Indian Visually Impaired Cricketers and the 3rd T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, which begins with the sponsorship of a 12-day coaching camp for visually impaired cricketers. The camp, which has been organized in partnership with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, will serve as a pathway for players hoping to represent India at the T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind this December.

“At NTT DATA, we are committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout our organization, and work to build awareness and enact practices that foster inclusivity within our workforce and in our communities,” said Ankur Dasgupta, Vice President, Global CSR & India Marketing at NTT DATA Services. “India is home to the largest population of visually impaired individuals who have a much higher risk of living in poverty. By supporting the talented players vying for a spot on the Indian Blind Cricket Team, we hope to inspire those living with visual impairment and educate others on their extraordinary achievements, with the hope of reducing bias against those with disabilities.”

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 who undergo further coaching training. 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, which will include virtual classes on digital and financial literacy, leading up to their participation in the T-20 World Cup for the Blind. The players will also receive a monthly stipend for the full duration of five months enabling them to maintain their sports training and fitness schedules to prepare them for this prestigious international tournament.

“The stage is all set for the beginning of qualification for the inaugural edition of our 3rd T-20 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.”

CABI is the cricketing arm of the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which works for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the underserved. As one of the largest NGOs in India, they focus on facilitating opportunities to enable persons with disabilities to keep pace with the rest of society.

The T-20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind will be held in December 2022 across multiple cities in India and include teams from India, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, Nepal, England Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

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.