Recognising the power of sport to build confidence, create opportunities and transform lives, Avaada Foundation is set to sign an MoU with Atmadeepam Society in Nagpur to promote blind cricket in Vidarbha and extend long-term sustained support to visually impaired sportspersons, helping them nurture their talent, pursue their sporting ambitions and build independent futures.
Avaada Foundation will be the sole sponsor of the Avaada Vidarbha Vision Cup 2026, scheduled from November 14 to 17 at the Mujumdar Cricket Academy Ground in Nagpur. Organised by the Association for Promotion of Blind Cricket in Vidarbha (ABCV), in association with Atmadeepam Society, the tournament will feature four teams representing Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and Chandrapur. The MoU will be signed on November 13 during the inaugural day programme, in the presence of Nagpur District Collector Shri Kumar Ashirwad.
Beyond the tournament, Avaada Foundation aims to support a structured development pathway for male and female visually impaired cricketers through talent identification, specialised coaching, fitness development, competitive exposure and participation in national-level tournaments.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group, said, “Sport has an extraordinary ability to give people confidence, a sense of purpose and the opportunity to realise their potential. The visually impaired cricketers of Vidarbha have demonstrated tremendous determination and sporting ability, and they deserve the same opportunities, encouragement and platforms as any other athlete. Through our sustained association with blind cricket, we want to help nurture this talent, support players in their sporting journeys and enable them to aspire to represent the country at national and international platforms. Our endeavour is to ensure that the joy of playing the sport they love is accompanied by greater recognition, dignity, independence and opportunities to build a better future.”
For male cricketers, Avaada Foundation will support the Vidarbha Cup 2026 and a three-day intensive coaching camp for 14 selected players preparing for the Nagesh Trophy Nationals in December 2026. The camp will focus on batting, bowling, fielding, physical fitness and match strategy. The Foundation will also support the team’s participation in the national tournament and a proposed Four States Inter-State Blind Cricket Tournament in February 2027, providing further competitive exposure.
For women cricketers, Avaada Foundation will support a three-day specialised coaching camp for 14 selected players in January 2027, focusing on fitness and technical skills, including batting, bowling, fielding and match strategy. The initiative will also facilitate participation in the Women’s National Tournament, followed by a proposed Three States Women’s National Blind Cricket Tournament in February 2027, creating further opportunities for competition and talent development.
Through these activities, Avaada Foundation aims to strengthen Vidarbha’s blind cricket talent pool and help promising players progress to higher levels of competition, including future national and international representation. Access to structured training, sporting platforms and recognition can also help visually impaired athletes build confidence, leadership and teamwork skills, while opening up potential livelihood pathways and contributing to financial independence over time. The focus on women cricketers will further encourage their participation and visibility in organised sport.
Jidnyasa Chawaldhal, President of Atmadeepam Society and the Association for Promotion of Blind Cricket in Vidarbha, is leading the organising efforts, supported by Vice-President Akash Kubde and members Anjali Sakharkar, Jayant Gulkari, Yogeshwar Chawaldhal, Gurudas Raul and Atul Harode.
The MoU exchange ceremony will bring together Avaada representatives Pankaj Upadhyay, Mridul Gahlot, Sankalp Dubey, Deepak Kumar Jena and Saurabh Awachat.
