In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering voter education and inclusivity, the Election Commission of India (ECI) collaborated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organize an Exhibition Cricket Match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) Team and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) team.
The historic match took place on March 16, 2024, at Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi. The event was graced by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, who felicitated the winning team amidst a crowd of 2500 spectators, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and young voters.
Ms. Sheetal Devi, a distinguished Para-archer and Arjuna Awardee, was announced as the National Icon in the PwD category during the event, highlighting the commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
Renowned former Indian Cricketer, Nikhil Chopra, was present as a special guest alongside officials from DDCA and IDCA. The match itself saw a spirited performance from both teams, with the DDCA emerging victorious by 69 runs (Scorecard- DDCA 190/5; IDCA - 121/8). However, the message of inclusivity and togetherness resonated as the ultimate victor throughout the event.
The match, which exemplified CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar's commitment to the Indian Deaf Cricket team, was a fulfillment of his promise made on the eve of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2022.
To further empower PwDs and senior citizen electors, the Commission launched a dedicated Voter’s Guide, providing essential provisions and details for a smooth voting experience. The comprehensive booklet covers infrastructural, informative, and procedural details at polling stations, as well as the applicability and procedure for Postal Ballots.
The event concluded with a captivating performance by the ‘Shining Star Music Band,’ featuring visually impaired musicians, and a stirring rendition of the national anthem in sign language by students from the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC).
The Exhibition Cricket Match underscored ECI's commitment towards inclusivity and empowerment, inspiring fellow voters with disabilities to enroll and participate in the electoral process.
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