In a star-studded start to the sporting season, actor Jackie Shroff inaugurated the 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026 at Greater Noida’s Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. Hosted by Wheelchair Cricket India Association, the tournament spans May 3-10, featuring elite teams battling in an innovative Super 5 format leading to a grand finale.
Shroff, visibly moved by the athletes’ enthusiasm, shared a heartfelt message: ‘Live life boldly. I’ve seen their passion, and it’s incredible.’ He advocated strongly for para-sports funding, promising yearly visits and urging corporations to step up as sponsors.
DCCI Secretary Ravi Kant Chauhan echoed these sentiments, stressing institutional support’s importance. ‘These players prove determination transcends physical challenges,’ Chauhan noted. ‘Events like this are vital for inclusivity, giving differently-abled athletes fair shots at excellence.’
Beyond the games, the championship symbolizes a shift toward equitable sports landscapes in India. It highlights how wheelchair cricket is gaining momentum, thanks to dedicated organizations fostering talent from grassroots to national levels.
Spectators are in for a treat with intense rivalries and displays of extraordinary athleticism. This edition promises to set new benchmarks, inspiring future generations and attracting the support needed to grow the sport.
