Ramanagara: After several days of anticipation ASB Cup State level Cricket tournament for the Blind was kick started here at District stadium Ramanagara.

The tournament, modeled on the regular T-20 format, is sponsored by the ASB, builders and developers (our title-principal sponsor) and the tournament will have 15 matches including semifinals and Finals. The 3 day tournament will have 12 teams from across the state. These teams are divided in 4 groups and will play against each other and fight for a berth in the two semi-finals and final.

The 12 teams are: Shivamogga, Chikmagalore, Ramanagara, Vijayanagara, Gadag, Mundgod, Chitradurga, Belgaum, Dharwad, Hubli, Mysore and Samarthanam Bangalore. The matches will be played in 2 different grounds, Ghousiya College of Engineering and Distict Ground.

The tournament was inaugurated by Celebrities. Shri Shri Annadaneshwaranatha swamiji, Shri Adichunchanagiri Shakhamutt, Ramanagara Blessed the tournament. In his speech he said, “These blinds are not blind in heart. They have blessed with the third eye. They are all good talents but they have to get more opportunities.”

Lion S Bhagiratha mjf, Chairman and MD ASB Developers & Promoters, was very happy about the tournament. He said,”Ramanagara is famous for hunting and identify the local talents. This State level cricket tournament for blind added another feather to it. This tournament will have bright future. Like this young talents Samarthanam also has the bright future, and ASB is willing to work with such activities.’’

Young budding Sandalwood actress ShubhaPoonja is the Brand Ambassador of the tournament. She was excited to be the part of this mega event. ” This tournament is the best platform to showcase the talents of the blinds. These players are blind only in visionary version not in talent.” It is very encouraging concept from Samarthanam and CABI. Tournament like this will help to build the confidence and future of blinds. I am happy because I am the part of it. She said. Shubha promised to be a part of the Samarthanam events in future also.

Vibrant cultural performances by the blind group enthralled the audiences’with their spectacular performance. Chief Guests presiding included Shri Srirama Reddy V. IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Ramanagara. Mr. Rajanna H.R, President of Ramanagara Zilla Panchayat. Dr. M.V. Venkatesh IAS, CEO of Zillapanchayat Ramanagara, Mr. MV Vedamurthy Commissioner of Endowments, Dr. Mahamed Haneef, Principle Ghousiya College of Engineering Ramanagara, Dr. Venkatram Kumar Administrator BGS Global Hospital Ramanagara, Lion Purushotham mjf, DC for Hearing Aids, Dist. 317A. Mrs Vanaja Krishnamurthy, Head Mistress Rehamania High School Ramanagara were also on the Dias.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Mahantesh, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam and the General Secretary of Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said, “After several days of preparation the tournament is here. All the teams have practiced with all their heart and soul. I am glad that we have the support of such eminent personalities and people of Ramanagara. We want everyone to rejoice and boost up the morale of all the cricketers participating from the 12 different teams across the State.”

SOURCE: http://www.indiaeducationdiary.in/showEE.asp?newsid=25199