Indian Para Cricket Team Captain Vikrant Keni Bats For Enhanced Accessibility, Fostering Inclusivity To Empower Para-Players

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Indian Physical Disability Cricket Team clinched a decisive victory over England in the nation's inaugural International Physically Disabled T20 Cricket Series, organised by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) and Svayam.

This historic series marked the maiden visit of England's official physically challenged cricket team, which unfolded as a 5-part T20 match series in Ahmedabad.

Svayam also sponsored the match fees for Indian Para players, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their participation. Additionally, Svayam introduced prestigious awards such as "Man of the Match," "Best Bowler," and "Batsman of the Series", honouring outstanding performances and contributions to the game.

Held at the esteemed Narendra Modi Stadium, under the aegis of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) and the patronage of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the series showcased thrilling contests between the Indian and English physically challenged cricket teams. India - who were led by Vikrant Keni - emerged triumphant in four out of five matches, securing an impressive 4-1 scoreline against England.

In addition to the team's success, Indian para cricketers including Captain Keni and Ravindra Sante were honoured with the Svayam Man of the Match award. England's Callum Flynn also bagged the Man of the Match Award twice.

Keni clinched the Svayam Batsman of the Series title, with Sunny Goyat receiving the Svayam Best Bowler of the Series award alongside him.

Ahead of the tournament, captain Vikrant Keni shared his journey in para cricket during an email exchange with myKhel. Keni, who works as a supervisor with a company in Mumbai, became a victim of poliovirus at an early age, rendering his right hand paralysed. But that didn't deter him from pursuing the sport he loved as he kept playing at local and college levels.

Keni emphasises the abundance of differently-abled cricketers in India and the importance of promoting para-cricket nationwide to raise awareness about the sport's significance. He even encourages all para-cricketers to remain composed, find inner peace, and collectively strive for their best performance. Here are the excerpts:

Q: How did you initially feel upon learning that India would be hosting its first-ever International Para Cricket Tournament?

Ans: I was exhilarated when I got to know about India hosting its first-ever International Para Cricket Tournament. After a long gap of 4 years after winning the 2019 World Series, this tournament was an achievement. As a para-cricketer, having proudly represented India at the national level multiple times, the prospect of participating in such a tournament came with a sense of fulfilment.

This landmark event not only serves the nation's commitment to fostering a more inclusive sporting culture but also provides a dedicated platform to showcase our talent and compete at an international level. It is like a dream come true.

Q: Can you provide insights into your early life and what sparked your interest in sports? Can you highlight your achievements?

Ans: I have been fond of cricket since my early days but unfortunately, I was suffering from polio which affected my right hand. This demotivated me as I was unable to pursue my interest, but I was determined to turn my sufferings into achievements and started participating in regional and college-level matches.

My friends and family helped me a lot during those times, and I thank each one of them for their unconditional support. It was because of them that I got the chance to lead the team as a captain.

Q: Do you play full-time, or do you also pursue some other job?

Ans: For the last 9 years, I have been working as a supervisor with a company situated in Mumbai. It was an achievement for me to join the team of para-cricketers. Eventually, I was offered to be the captain of the team by the company and through their support I got the opportunity to play for corporate companies, and time shield matches in Mumbai. I have immense gratitude for them for giving me this opportunity.

Q: How extensive has your training been for this series?

Ans: The training was surely an extensive one as this series was happening after almost 4 years. We went to England to play World Series earlier and I was already aware that the team is powerful and there is so much to learn from them.

Nevertheless, acknowledging that much may have changed since then, we ensured that our training remained rigorous, and we showcased our best performance on the ground.

Q: What are your thoughts on promoting differently-abled cricket nationwide, and how do you believe it should be encouraged across the country?

Ans: India has a lot of differently-abled cricketers and therefore promoting para-cricket nationwide can help in raising awareness about the significance of the sport. I would like to encourage all the para-cricketers to stay calm, be at peace, and give their best collectively.

Only through such unity can a team emerge victorious, and we all possess that capability within us. This can be encouraged by conducting awareness programs led by experts and recognising and awarding para-cricketers for their efforts and participation.

Furthermore, organising exclusive national championships to motivate them by seeking corporate sponsorships, involving local communities, or collaborating with NGOs collectively. This will help contribute to the holistic promotion of differently-abled cricket across the country.

Q: How has the landscape of para-sports evolved in India over the years?

Ans: In recent years, the para-sport landscape has experienced a significant boost. After playing the World Series in 2019, when we were hit with COVID-19, it led us to believe that there might be setbacks, as each one of us was eagerly waiting for the matches to take place.

The support we received from DCCI and Svayam was a much-needed opportunity for us. These initiatives collectively contribute to the government's dedication to promoting accessibility and equal participation in sports for people with reduced mobility.

The proactive measures taken, from national para-sports events to international championships, reflect a comprehensive approach to advancing the landscape of para-sports in the country. It's good to witness that our government is very supportive of such events.

Q: Do you think that by improving overall accessibility, the para-sports environment in India can witness a positive transformation?

Ans: Certainly, accessibility in sports is of utmost importance as it promotes inclusivity and comes as an opportunity for para-players. Overall accessibility can bring a positive transformation in the environment. Having accessible transportation and infrastructure at sporting events makes it easy for us to fully engage in the experience.

This inclusivity contributes to a more diverse and supportive sporting environment. Improved infrastructure can provide state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the specific needs of para-players, helping them reach their full potential. Therefore, enhanced accessibility in India can create a more inclusive environment for para-players, fostering increased participation, talent development, and positive societal attitudes towards para-sports.

Q: Svayam is the Associate Partner for the DCCI match series. What do you think of their initiatives and how important do you think it is for talented people like you?

Ans: Svayam is doing a groundbreaking task of promoting accessibility and has been supporting DCCI for the last 3 years. By sponsoring match fees and prestigious awards like "Man of the Match," "Best Bowler," and "Best Man of the Series," Svayam is sending a powerful message that financial constraints should not be a barrier to achieving your goals. This significant contribution ensures that para-players can engage in matches without hindrance.

Moreover, Svayam's initiative creates opportunities for increased participation among players in rural India, serving as a motivational force for them to actively take part in sporting activities.