A cricket tournament for differently-abled

The second edition of the Essar Freedom Cup — a cricket tournament for the differently-abled — was held on May 1, 2015, at Rander Islam Gymkahana Stadium in Surat. The event was organized by Essar Foundation and Essar Steel Hazira in association with Viklang Kalyan Society Trust, an organization in Surat that works for the welfare of the differently-abled. The tournament was inaugurated by Dr M K Vadel, President of the District Disability and Rehabilitation Centre in Surat and Medical Superintendent of New Civil Hospital.



Six teams participated in the tournament — Baroda, Surat A, Surat B, Saurashtra, Gujarat (from Ahmedabad) and Kutch. The tournament followed the same rules as routine cricket matches. Gujarat and Surat A teams made it to the final. In the end, it was a hard-fought victory for Team Gujarat after they managed to defeat Surat A by eight runs. Sumer Imran of Team Kutch was declared the Man of the Series for his exemplary batting.



The Essar Freedom Cup was initiated last year by Essar Foundation in association with Viklang Kalyan Society Trust. Most of the participating players, especially from Team Gujarat, have played for state and national teams in various tournaments held in India and abroad. Senior members and officials of Essar Steel, Viklang Kalyan Society Trust and Rander Islam Gymkhana presented the trophy and awards during the prize distribution ceremony.