Grant for inclusivity

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's recent decision to grant Rs100 million for the Asia Cup Wheelchair Cricket Tournament highlights Sindh government's sincere efforts at empowering persons with disabilities in the country's sports arena. This grant is coupled with the promise of an annual grant of Rs15 million for the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Council (PWCC) and a wheelchair-accessible coaster for the athletes.

Sindh's healthy investment into this sphere will not go unappreciated as the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Team has won back-to-back Asia Cup titles in the past which is a testament to their talent and skill, and their ability to claim even bigger mountains with the right support. Just last year, the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Team was awarded a cheque worth Rs1.5 million for surpassing Sri Lanka and winning the Asia Cup 2024 in Nepal.

This goes on to show the wonders that our nation's athletes can do when they are uplifted in their passions, all while bringing glory to Pakistan's name on international stages. Led by Muhammad Zeeshan who is deputised by Imran Arain, the Pakistan Wheelchair Cricket Team has multiple achievements under its belt.

Alongside being a major investor in wheelchair cricket, Pakistan also has the honour of being a founding member of the International Council of Wheelchair Cricket, a global organisation based in Dubai which operates with the purpose of promoting and developing wheelchair cricket. It vies to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities and ultimately aims to vanquish any barriers that stand in the way of athletes and their sport.

This year, the wheelchair cricket team will be competing against Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the UAE and possibly India. The grant from the Sindh government will hopefully provide players with the resources needed to excel yet again.