Hyundai Motor India announces Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket
An International Bilateral Blind Men’s Cricket Series under its ‘Samarth’ initiative
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced an International Bilateral Blind Men’s Cricket Series under its corporate initiative - Samarth by Hyundai. The event is organized under Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of HMIL. This is an effort to raise awareness and enable people with disabilities. The cricket series is being organized by HMIF’s NGO partner, ‘Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled’, in collaboration with the ‘Cricket Association for the Blind in India.’ The 5-match series will feature the Indian Men’s Blind Cricket Team facing off against the Sri Lankan Men’s Blind Cricket Team. The matches are scheduled to take place at Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi from the 11th to the 15th of March 2024.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head, Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Guided by our global vision of 'Progress for Humanity,' HMIL launched the Samarth initiative in November 2023. The aim of this initiative is to create awareness, enablement, and a more inclusive society for people with disabilities. Under the aegis of Hyundai’s 'Creating Shared Values' (CSV) direction of ‘Continue’, HMIF has partnered with ‘Samarthnam Trust for the Disabled’ to support visually impaired cricketers. Cricket in India transcends mere sport; it is a cultural cornerstone that unites us. Therefore, we have chosen Blind Cricket to further strengthen and promote equality in society for people with disabilities. We are delighted to announce the inaugural International Bilateral Blind Men’s Cricket Series between India and Sri Lanka. At Hyundai Motor India, we are committed to the holistic growth of India and aspire to build a more empathetic society through our social initiatives, focusing on the pillars of 'Earth,' 'Mobility,' and 'Hope.' We eagerly anticipate an entertaining series and look forward to witness some exceptional performances on the field.”
Speaking on the exciting joint initiative, the chairman of CABI, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar said, "We are honored to partner with Hyundai Motor India to organize an International Bilateral Blind Men’s Cricket Series under its ‘Samarth’ initiative in Delhi. This is an important step to provide much needed opportunities to our players. We are very happy to have this collaboration which would promote cricket for the blind. We did well in the recent cricket series in Dubai by winning the series and the team will do better in the upcoming tournament."
Commenting on the bilateral cricket series, captain of Indian men's blind cricket team, Mr. Durga Rao Tompaki said, "This is what all our players have been dreaming to have multiple cricket tournaments with the best teams in the world. We had a successful series at Dubai and we won the series comfortably after many setbacks. Win against Pakistan has brought more positive energy to outperform in the coming days. These matches will help us to prepare for the 4th T20 World Cup which will be held this year in November. I would like to Thank Hyundai Motor India, Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled for constantly providing us the opportunity to play for the country."
