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Jackie Shroff Opens 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026

The 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026 was officially declared open by actor Jackie Shroff at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida. The tournament, running from May 3 to May 10, features top teams competing in a "Super 5" grand finale format. Jackie Shroff urged greater support for para-sports, calling on sponsors and big companies to back the athletes. The championship serves as a platform to promote inclusivity and recognize talent beyond physical limitations.

Key Points: Jackie Shroff Inaugurates Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026

  • Jackie Shroff inaugurated the 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026 in Greater Noida
  • The tournament runs from May 3 to May 10, 2026
  • It features a "Super 5" grand finale format with top teams nationwide
  • Shroff urged sponsors and companies to support para-sports
  • The event promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for specially-abled athletes
2 min read

Jackie Shroff declares 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026 Open in Greater Noida

Jackie Shroff declares 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship open in Greater Noida. The event runs May 3-10, featuring India's top wheelchair cricket teams.

"My message for everyone is that be bindaas in life. These players have been playing so well. I saw these players, and I'm overwhelmed by the passion they have. - Jackie Shroff"

Greater Noida, May 3

The 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026, organised by the Wheelchair Cricket India Association, was officially declared open on Saturday at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, marking the beginning of an inspiring celebration of resilience, talent, and inclusive sports.

The prestigious tournament, set to run from May 3 to May 10, 2026, features top teams from across the country competing in an exciting "Super 5" grand finale format, showcasing the highest level of wheelchair cricket in India.

Renowned actor Jackie Shroff graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and officially inaugurated the championship, a release said.

"My message for everyone is that be bindaas in life. These players have been playing so well. I saw these players, and I'm overwhelmed by the passion they have," said Jackie Shroff.

He further emphasised the need for greater support towards para-sports: "I want to come here every year and support these players. I want sponsors should also support them. Big companies should come and sponsor them," he added.

Adding to the significance of the event, Ravi Kant Chauhan, Secretary of DCCI, highlighted the importance of institutional support and inclusivity in sports:

"The 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship is a testament to the incredible determination and spirit of these athletes. Platforms like these are crucial in ensuring that talent is recognised beyond physical limitations. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and provide equal opportunities for specially-abled sportspersons to excel at the national level," he said.

The championship stands as a powerful platform for specially-abled athletes to demonstrate their skills and competitive spirit, while also promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in sports.

The Wheelchair Cricket India Association continues to play a pivotal role in empowering athletes and promoting wheelchair cricket across the country, with this championship serving as one of its flagship events.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Really proud to see such events happening in Greater Noida. The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex is a great venue. But honestly, we need more than just one annual championship - wheelchair cricket should have regular leagues and proper infrastructure across states. Still, a good step forward!
M
Michael C
Wonderful to see inclusivity in Indian sports! The "Super 5" format sounds exciting. Having visited India, I know how passionate people are about cricket - it's great that this passion extends to wheelchair cricket too. Hope this gets more international attention and support.
R
Ravi K
Amazing spirit from these athletes! But let's be honest - why do we always need celebrities to give visibility to such important causes? The government should allocate dedicated funds for para-sports infrastructure. Still, kudos to Wheelchair Cricket India Association for organizing this year after year.
S
Sarah B
This is beautiful! Jackie Shroff being genuinely moved by their passion speaks volumes. In many countries, para-sports get substantial funding and media coverage. I hope Indian corporates step up - it's not charity, it's recognizing talent that happens to have different abilities. Go team India! 🏏🌟
N
Nisha Z
This brings tears to my eyes. My cousin is a wheelchair user and cricket is his biggest passion - but finding accessible grounds and coaches is still a huge challenge. Such championships give hope to families like ours. Jackie sir is absolutely right - we need more sponsors and year-round support, not just during tournaments.

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