The beauty about sports is that it unites people, it brings together entire communities rooting for a common cause. It has the power to empower and transform the lives of others in a manner very rarely seen. Sports for the disabled is not just a recreation activity, it’s a way of life for those that are not blessed with equal opportunity, it’s a path towards a life of dignity and self respect despite their limitations, it’s inspirational beyond belief and an important lesson about being able to achieve anything if you set your mind to it.
In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Mr. Nitendra Singh, Head of Cricket Operations at Divyang Cricket Control Board of India speaks about getting adequate support for physically challenged cricketers, their potential, overcoming challenges, the role of media, government and his future goals.
Q 1) As Head of Cricket Operations at DCCBI, do you get adequate support from the likes of BCCI for physically challenged cricketers?
At present there is no support from BCCI but we're trying to get support. I'm hopeful that we'll soon get help from the BCCI. Some organizations like Indian Oil corporation and PSU's are helping. Even the Baroda Cricket Association which runs the domestic team of Baroda are helping me because I played a lot of first class cricket for the Baroda team.
Q 2) As head coach of Indian Physically Challenged Women Cricket Team, do you see a lot of potential in our female cricketers to achieve accolades at the highest level?
Physically challenged girls have got tremendous potential. They want to prove to people that they are nothing less than normal men or women and they concentrate on their game. In 2019, I organized the world's first coaching camp for physically challenged girls and you wouldn't believe nearly 80 girls turned up from all over India and I formed the world's first physically challenged girls team. They definitely have the potential to achieve accolades at the highest level and it is my opinion that they are better than the men's team. They work very hard and learn very easily. DCCBI's general secretary Haroon Rashid is a very energetic person and he is taking a lot of interest in it and our CEO Ghazal Khan is also a brilliant woman. She has got a lot of knowledge about IT and in today's world IT knowledge is essential. She is doing exactly what needs to be done.
Q 3) What are some of the challenges that you have faced at DCCBI? How did you overcome them?
The primary challenge is the sponsorship, somehow we are getting the necessary sponsorships. Mr. Haroon Rashid is trying his level best and some more people like me are also trying. We are giving good facilities to the physically challenged players. Recently the first DPL was held in Sharjah which is the stadium where the IPL is also played. Our boys have proved that they are no less than the normal people. It was a very good tournament and an incredible achievement for the players as well as the DCCBI.
Q 4) According to you, how can the government, media and corporations help in supporting Divyang cricket?
At present the media can play a vital role and the Government of India is conducting other sports but not cricket at any level. Cricket is run by the BCCI which oversees all forms of cricket including Men’s cricket, Women’s cricket, Divyang cricket which includes the deaf, physically challenged, blind and other types of cricket. The government should help the Divyang sportspersons. Our PM Modi gave a title ‘Divyang’ which has all the disabilities under it whether they are blind, deaf, physically challenged or any other disability. It is easier now for people to recognize us, especially when we are in need of sponsorship from a company. Government is giving opportunities and jobs to the people in Divyang and now has to think more diversely for their future.
Q 5) What are your goals and ambitions for Divyang cricket in the future? How do you plan to accomplish them?
At present Mr. Haroon Rasheed is going to organise a four nation tournament of physically challenged in Dubai in the same stadium, after that we are planning for the Asia cup and the World Cup. We will do it, if the BCCI helps us it is well and good but I'm hopeful that the BCCI will help us because they need results and we are giving them results.
