SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma on Monday launched the jersey of Hyderabad Hawks, a franchise set to participate in the Radiant World Para Cricket League scheduled to be held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, from October 6 to 11.
The jersey was unveiled during a meeting with a delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Divyang Welfare Association (JKDWA) at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.
The delegation included Sayed Shah Aziz, captain of the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team and Hyderabad Hawks, JKDWA General Secretary Pirzada Sayed Nissar Hussain Shah and association member Manmohan Singh.
During the interaction, discussions were held on the development of disability sports in Jammu and Kashmir, with issues relating to infrastructure, training facilities, sporting opportunities, recognition and institutional support for differently-abled athletes coming up for deliberation.
Sharma said the government was committed to promoting para sports and creating an inclusive sporting environment for athletes with disabilities. He said equal opportunities should be available to all sportspersons and that efforts would continue to strengthen support systems for differently-abled athletes in the Union Territory.
The minister also congratulated Aziz on his achievements and described his rise from Poonch to leading the Indian Differently-Abled Cricket Team as an example of determination and perseverance.
He extended his best wishes to Hyderabad Hawks for the upcoming tournament and expressed hope that the team would perform well in the competition.
According to officials, the meeting also focused on measures to encourage greater participation of differently-abled youth in sports across Jammu and Kashmir.
Representatives of the JK Divyang Welfare Association thanked the minister for his support and interest in the development of para sports in the region.
