19th – 20th May, 2016, Surat
The third edition of the Essar Freedom Cup, a cricket tournament for the differently-abled, was held on 19th and 20th May, 2016 at Lal Bhai Contractor Stadium in Surat. The event was organised by Essar Foundation and Essar Steel India Limited, Hazira, in association with the Viklang Kalyan Society Trust, an organisation which works for the welfare of the differently-abled.
Six teams participated in the tournament from different parts of Gujarat, namely, Baroda, Viklang Kalyan Society Trust (VIKSO)-Surat, Surat, Tapi, Limbayat and Kutch. VIKSO Surat won the tournament, defeating Baroda by a margin of 95 runs in the final game. Initiated in 2014, the tournament provides a platform for players to not only showcase their talents, but also be chosen to compete in State and National levels cricket tournaments. Last year, six players from Surat were selected in the State team.
