A state-level cricket tournament for the visually-challenged was held here on Sunday at the VOC Ground where participants of four teams played on turf surface was witness to display of sporting talent replete with excitement.
A head-start was given by District Collector S. Prabakar to the tournament organised by the Lions Club of Erode, Acchutha Eye Care Hospital, Erode, and BNI (Business Network International) Aspire.
There were three matches in all: Two semi-final matches of 12 over each and the finals with 15 over. The first semi-final was played between Thanjavur and Tiruvallur districts. The second semi-final was played between Madurai and Tiruchi teams. And, in the finals that saw a clash between Madurai and Thanjavur, the latter emerged victorious. The winning team representing Madurai was awarded Rs. 6,000 and a trophy and the runners-up Rs. 3,000 and a trophy.
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All players were honoured individually.
The first of its kind tournament in Erode served the purpose of driving home the importance on focussing on the ability rather than disability, K.C. Balasubramanian, president of Lions Club of Erode and Medical Director of Acchutha Eye Care said.
The organisers who received support from Cricket Association for the Blind in India for the maiden tournament have plans to make it an annual affair, buoyed by the public response and support.
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