Chandigarh: Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria Saturday lauded wheelchair cricketers for their determination and resilience, saying the 6th WCFI Wheelchair Cricket Championship is not merely a sporting event but a celebration of courage, equality and inclusion.Addressing the gathering as chief guest at the Panjab University Cricket Ground, Kataria said the two-day championship, themed “Inclusive India through Sports: Capacity Building and Leadership Development of Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Futures”, reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.The event has brought together 45 Divyang athletes and young leaders from across the country. Kataria said wheelchair cricket demonstrates that physical limitations can never define human potential and called on society to ensure inclusive infrastructure, education, sports and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.Appreciating the efforts of the Wheelchair Cricket Federation of India (WCFI), APSWDP, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Panjab University and other partner organisations, he also paid tribute to late Rekha Trivedi for initiating the championship in 2017.Referring to the achievements of Indian para-athletes, Kataria urged participants to inspire others through their determination and sportsmanship. He highlighted central govt initiatives, including the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, UDID, ADIP Scheme, National Education Policy 2020 and Khelo India, and expressed confidence that the championship would reinforce the message of accessibility, dignity and equal opportunity.Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Champions Through Inclusive Cricket”, the championship aims to promote inclusive sports and generate greater awareness about the abilities and achievements of para-athletes.The tournament, being held on July 18 and 19 at the PU Cricket Ground, features teams from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh competing for the title.
