7th IDCA Women T-10 National Deaf Cricket Championship 2026 Kicks Off in Gurugram
The 7th IDCA Women T-10 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026 has officially launched in Gurugram, marking a significant event in the sporting calendar for differently-abled athletes. The championship commenced on March 23rd, with nine teams from across India vying for the prestigious national title.
Grand Opening Ceremony Sets the Stage
The event was inaugurated with a grand ceremony, featuring Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Haryana, as the Chief Guest, and Ajay Gaur, Senior Leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Faridabad, Haryana, as the Guest of Honour. Their presence underscored the importance of inclusivity and support for deaf cricketers in the country.
Sumit Jain, President of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), expressed his gratitude, stating, "It is an honour to have Shri Gaurav Gautam and Shri Ajay Gaur here with us in Gurgaon as we kick off this championship. Their presence, along with the Haryana Deaf Cricket Association, motivates all players to give their best and inspires young deaf women cricketers across India to pursue sports."
Celebrating Spirit and Grit
Roma Balwani, CEO of IDCA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the championship's goal to celebrate the achievements of deaf women cricketers. She remarked, "This event highlights the spirit and grit of our deaf women cricketers, proving that gender and hearing impairments are secondary to the love of the game and teamwork. We extend our thanks to our generous supporters, including the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, KFC India, Hero MotoCorp Limited, and others, for helping create a strong platform for differently-abled cricketers."
The IDCA, recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Deaf International Cricket Council, and Asian Deaf Cricket Association, is hosting the championship with the support of the Haryana Deaf Cricket Association.
Tournament Schedule and Matches
The championship kicked off with an exciting lineup of matches on March 23rd, including:
- Host Haryana vs Chandigarh
- Kerala vs Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana vs Delhi
- Maharashtra vs Kerala
The pool stage matches will continue from March 23rd to March 26th, followed by the semi-finals and the final on March 27th, 2026. This structured schedule ensures a competitive and engaging tournament for all participants and spectators.
Promoting Inclusivity in Sports
This championship not only showcases top-tier cricket but also promotes inclusivity and empowerment for deaf athletes in India. By providing a national stage, it encourages more young women to take up cricket and sports, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive sporting community.
As the tournament progresses, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the thrilling matches and the crowning of the national champion, highlighting the resilience and talent of India's deaf women cricketers.
