City’s blind cricketers see new light in Bengaluru camp

Ludhiana: We live in a country where cricket is a religion followed by every person no matter where he or she belongs to, or the backgrounds where they come from.
Six visually handicapped youngsters went to a camp in Bengaluru from June 10 to 19. This camp was organized by private institution Cabi (Cricket Association for the Blind in India), which is the apex body conducting cricket for the blind across India, having inherited the responsibility in 2010 from the former Association of Cricket for the Blind in India.
"Cricket is an emotion for me, and I am very much blessed that the experience in the last days of the camp was unmatchable and indescribable.It’s my first time being a part of this camp, and I felt really good, as I have learnt a lot of things in cricket, which will help me in the future. I am really thankful to Cabi who organizes such camps for people like us. It gives us hope and courage, that even though we are blind, people are coming forward and understanding our needs,” said Rohit (19) from Ludhiana.
Vishal (22), also from the city, said: “I was always fond of cricket, and being in this kind of camp gives me extra hope and courage that I can be a good sportsman. Here, I have practised batting, bowling, and fielding. In the past few days, I have seen a positive change in me, as I know I am better at all these activities because of my hard work and dedication. It's my first time in Bangalore, and I am really happy, and wish to be here next year also, to learn some new techniques and things which will help me in the future.”
“The weather in Bengaluru makes me energetic, as from the first day itself, I was feeling very good. The daily routine there started in the early morning, where all our mates get ready for practice. The sessions start from 10am and end at 4.30pm. Believe me while we practise and play, I don’t think about anything else. It’s the best feeling, and one of the best moments of my life,” said Jagseer Singh (18) from Ludhiana.
Anoher city-based blind cricketer Mangal Singh (22) said: “Cricket is one of the most important things of my life. I was very excited to be in the garden city. In fact, the excitment began right when I boarded the train to Bangalore. I am so happy to be a part of this camp. Only our train journey we paid for, but everything else there was free of cost, sponsored by Cabi. I am happy to see there are associations like Cabi who are here to help us. I will miss these days and moments.”
Mandeep Singh (21), another city lad, said: “It took us about two days in the train, but it was worth the wait, as I was going to learn some new tips and tricks which will improve my game. Everything in the southern city was so well organized and it felt so good just being there. We used to have breakfast in the morning around 7.30am, lunch between 1-2 pm, and finally dinner every night at 8pm. Every person there was working with so much cooperation, which made me feel I was at home itself. I improved my skills in fielding and bowling, which I wanted to improve for a very long time.”
“Although this camp was about cricket, there was another special thing which I personally felt good about, and that was we also had computer classes. I always wanted to try computers, and so I learnt many things here which will help me in future. It was necessary to learn these things like booking an airplane ticket, bus ticket, train ticket, movie ticket, etc. They also taught us how to use tablets. There was a one-hour class from 5-6pm, after the cricket practice. Our days there were full of learning and joy. It was my first time in that place, but I am sure I will come next time too,” said Sandeep Kumar (22) from Ludhiana.