The Haryana Inter-Zonal Wheelchair Cricket Tournament & Men’s Selection Trials for Nationals 2025, organized by the Haryana Wheelchair Cricket Association (HWCA), concluded with unmatched enthusiasm and success on 7th January 2025. This four-day sporting extravaganza, held in Faridabad, Haryana, was a landmark event that brought together wheelchair cricket players from across Haryana to compete and collaborate under a unified vision.
A Vision Born from Inclusivity
The tournament was the brainchild of HWCA Chairperson Shri Tarang Kashyap, whose vision to unite all wheelchair cricket players in Haryana under one umbrella led to the inception of this remarkable event. His determination to foster inclusivity and transparency in team selection has set a new benchmark for wheelchair cricket in India.
With the steadfast leadership of HWCA President Shri Anuraag Kashyap, the tournament not only showcased the incredible talent of Haryana’s wheelchair cricketers but also emphasized fairness, democracy, and adherence to BCCI and DCCI norms. The result was a transparent selection process that earned the faith and respect of players, officials, and audiences alike.
Event Highlights
Grand Opening and Prominent Guests
The event was inaugurated by MLA and Minister of State Shri Rajesh Nagar Ji [Minister of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Deptt (Govt. of Haryana)], whose motivational words energized the players and officials. The presence of Shri Anand Mehta (KL Mehta Dayanand Group President) and Shri Rajeev Girdhar (Modern DPS Group President) added prestige to the closing ceremony, where they distributed trophies and medals, congratulating all participants for their stellar performances.
Exciting Matches and Results
Players from various districts, including Faridabad, Sonipat, Karnal, Rohtak, Gurgaon, and Kaithal, braved the harsh winter to participate in this thrilling tournament. The competition saw:
- Sonipat Zone crowned as champions.
- Faridabad Zone finishing as runners-up.
- Karnal Zone securing the second runners-up position.
The final day witnessed an electrifying Inter-State Wheelchair Cricket Match, where Haryana’s newly selected team claimed a spectacular last-over victory against Delhi, further solidifying their strength and unity.
Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
The event was made possible by the tireless efforts of HWCA officials and volunteers:
- Mrs. Vandana and Dr. Neeru coordinated over 30 NSS volunteers from KL Mehta Dayanand College, ensuring the smooth execution of every task.
- Mrs. Pallavi Tyagi, Mr. Vishal Kataria, and Mr. Prashant Khattri graciously sponsored lunch for the second day, showcasing their unwavering support.
- HWCA Chairperson Shri Tarang Kashyap, along with Event Heads Shri Girdhar Kumar Ji and Shri Piyush Sharma Ji, meticulously managed the event.
- Shri Altaf Ahmed, the head umpire, ensured that all matches adhered to the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship.
A Celebration of Talent and Sportsmanship
The event provided a platform for players to demonstrate their exceptional skills while fostering unity and camaraderie among them. The matches were brought to life by engaging commentary from Shri Tarang Kashyap, Shri Girdhar, Shri Piyush Sharma, Shri Dinesh Rana, Shri Vishal Kataria, and Shri Tarif Ajij, while the detailed scoring was diligently managed by Shri Girdhar Ji.
Support and Recognition
The event received widespread media attention, with coverage by national and state newspapers and media channels, highlighting its significance and success. On the final day, DCCI Secretary Shri Ravi Chauhan Ji visited the players, praising HWCA’s efforts in organizing such a transparent and democratic selection process. He assured his continued support for similar events in Haryana.
The Legacy of HWCA
HWCA has set a new precedent in wheelchair cricket by bringing together players from diverse backgrounds and ensuring fairness in team selection. The association’s unwavering commitment to its mission is encapsulated in its rallying cry:
“Jeet ki taiyaari hai, ab humari baari hai!”
This tournament is just the beginning of HWCA’s journey to transform wheelchair cricket in Haryana. With the newly selected state team aiming to bring home the National Wheelchair Cricket Tournament Trophy, HWCA has issued a clarion call to organizations, industries, and individuals to join hands in supporting this noble cause.
Looking Ahead
As players returned home motivated and hopeful, HWCA reaffirmed its commitment to hosting more grand and inclusive tournaments in the coming months. With the united efforts of its visionary leadership and dedicated supporters, HWCA continues to pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in sports.
Conclusion
The Haryana Inter-Zonal Wheelchair Cricket Tournament has not only celebrated the talent and resilience of Haryana’s wheelchair cricketers but also highlighted the importance of unity, transparency, and community support in achieving excellence. HWCA stands proud as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring all to dream big and work together to make those dreams a reality.
