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India triumphs in historic Bilateral International Deaf Cricket Series against England
Mumbai: In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Indian Deaf Cricket Team emerged victorious at the County Ground, Leicester in the bilateral series against England, showcasing their prowess and resilience on the international stage. Indian team was invited & hosted by England & South Wales Cricket Board.
ECB played the perfect host and the team was delighted to get this unique opportunity to play in five cricket grounds & prove their mettle each time. The Indian Deaf Cricket Team’s success in the bilateral series against England is a moment of celebration for the entire nation, as it marks another milestone in the journey of Indian cricket. As they continue to inspire and uplift through their achievements, they undoubtedly pave the way for future generations of deaf cricketers to dream big and aim high.
The series witnessed an intense battle between India and England, with both teams demonstrating exceptional cricketing talent. However, it was the Indian team that dominated throughout, securing a commendable series win by defeating the hosts by six wickets in the seventh and final match of the series.
Match details:
Abhishek Singh was awarded the title of ‘Man of the Match’ while Sai Akash was referred to as ‘Man of the Series’. Captain Virender Singh took the maximum wickets.
Speaking on this monumental achievement for India, IDCA president Sumit Jain said, “The victory in this bilateral series against England is not just a win on the field but a testament to the perseverance and skill of our hearing impaired players. It marks a significant milestone for deaf cricket in India, showcasing our capability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of the sport. We are thrilled to see our team’s hard work and determination pay off, and we look forward to continuing our journey of excellence in deaf cricket.”
He credited the hard work and dedication of every team member, as well as the unwavering support from fans and stakeholders.
This series win not only reaffirms India’s dominance in deaf cricket but also underscores the growing talent and potential within the deaf cricketing community. It serves as a testament to the inclusivity and diversity of sports in India, showcasing how determination and skill can overcome any challenge.
IDCA CEO Roma Balwani said, “I am delighted by India’s historic triumph against England in the bilateral series. This victory underscores our team’s resilience and commitment to excellence in cricket. It gives me immense pride in highlighting the power of sports to unite and inspire, showcasing the immense talent within our country. We are proud of our players and their dedication, and this win is remarkable as the team played in a new environment & succeeded with immense guidance from their coaches & skipper Virender Singh. The team was delighted to be hosted by ECB in England.
Grateful to our support partners – Serum Institute of India, KFC India, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., APL Apollo Tubes Ltd, Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt Ltd, Impact Measurement and Kaizzen.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
