National training camp by Aditya Mehta Foundation to transform soldiers to para-athletes Kick-offs

Media Release
June 25, 2017

Bengaluru, June 25: Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), driven by Asian Championship medalists para-cyclist Aditya Mehta in his continuous effort to unearth and scout para-athletes who could go on to represent and bring laurels for India at global competition has kick started its ambitious National Training Camp at the BSF STC, Yelahanka on the outskirts of Bengaluru from today.

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The camp which will see around 150 para-athletes in making comprising of brave soldiers from Central Armed Police Forces who put their body on the line to protect the country.

The initiative since its inception had not only scouted Para athletes but also transformed the disillusioned soldiers into heroes and champions as the Indian Para Cyclists team, a product of this National Camp went on to win gold, silver and bronze medal at the Asian Championship in Bahrain in February 2017. In its second year the success has not only inspired more of the soldiers to enroll and approach Aditya and AMF has also pulled all resources to train these brave hearts and mentor them by internationally acclaimed coaches for a week long training in six para sporting disciplines including swimming, cycling, badminton (standing &wheelchair), tennis (wheelchair), shooting and body building.

“This camp is very special as it not only helps in giving a purpose to the lives of the soldiers who with unfortunate turn of events were completely disillusioned. But also is helping to explore the talents and evolve them into Indian para-athletes become champions and wining laurels for India,” Aditya said.

The training which is India’s only such camp for the para-athletes was inaugurated by Shri. K.K Sharma, Director General of Border Security Force, Shri. P.S Sandhu Inspector General of BSF STC, Bengaluru and Shri.A Dinakar Babu (IAS) Vice-Chairman and MD of Sports Authority of Telengana State.

“I am really thankful to Shri. P.S Sandhu for being a continuous pillar of support from my playing days to till date. While he not only supported me and encouraged my vision, he also helped me to get connected with DG BSF, Mr.Sharma. He has not only understood my will do work in Para Sports but also is the reason for AMF to not only work with the Armed Forces but also has given the courage and support to AMF to help the specially abled soldiers to get a new lease of life”, the two times Asian Paralympic silver medalist further added.

After the week-long camp is over, AMF will take the selected athletes under its wing where they will not only be given further enhanced training but also will be funded to pursue their dream of making the country in national and international events.

“It is a matter of immense pride for BSF to be part of such as noble cause. I would like to extend my thanks to AMF for their endeavour in empowering these brave individuals to do something great in their life even after going through such a loss in their life. I wish AMF all the best and hope they create many more champions in coming years,” Shri. K.K Sharma Director General of BSF said.

These brave hearts will be coached by top para coaches with Anand Kumar, Girish Sharma and Mark Dharmai taking care of badminton, Bholanath Daluai in-charge of swimming. Alok Mandal will be responsible to train the para-cyclists assisted by Aditya himself, while Madhu Bagri and Balachandar Subramaniam will help the tennis players hone their skills. Swaroop will be taking care of shooting disciplines and Vicky sharpening the skills of the bodybuilders.

About Aditya Mehta Foundation

Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) is a non-profit organisation which aids people with disabilities to pursue sports while also providing them self-sustenance. The Foundation, started in October 2013, has grown by leaps and bounds in a short span. Based in Hyderabad, the Foundation has managed to span out to virtually every corner of the nation. It represents a unique cause and seeks to help a neglected part of a fairly large population.

The AMF raises funds through its signature Fund Raising event, the Infinity Ride, and also scouts for talent among the disabled population of India. It also provides counselling for them and helps them get better at their sport or even find a sport that is suitable for them. It provides the necessary equipment, training and funding for these athletes as well to help them grow in their sport and compete at the International level. Along with the civilian talent, a major part of the foundation’s efforts is directed at finding and nurturing talent in the nation’s Central Armed Police Forces (Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sahastra Seema Bal and Central Industrial Security Force), which have a number of soldiers who have suffered debilitating or permanent injuries while serving the country at the border or in naxal-hit areas.

National Camp Partners – Border Security Force Key Sponsor: Sports Authority of Telengana State

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News Network
June 29,2020

Jun 29: The West Indies cricketers will sport a 'Black Lives Matter' logo on the collars of their shirts during the upcoming three-Test series against England to protest against racism in sports.

Skipper Jason Holder, who has voiced his support to the cause that has once again come to the forefront after the killing of American George Floyd, said in a statement on Sunday: "We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness."

The ICC-approved logo, designed by Alisha Hosannah, will be the one which featured in the shirts of all 20 Premier League football clubs since the sport's resumption earlier this month.

"This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket and for the West Indies cricket team," Holder was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"We have come to England to retain the Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious of happenings around the world and the fight for justice and equality. "As a group of young men, we know of the rich and diverse history of West Indies cricket and we know we are guardians of the great game for a generation to come."

Holder, who wants racism to be treated at par with doping and corruption, said they arrived at the decision to wear the logo after much thought.

"We did not take our decision lightly. We know what it is for people to make judgments because of the colour of our skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes beyond the boundary. There must be equality and there must be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop," he said.

"We have to find some way to have equal rights and people must not be viewed differently because of the colour of their skin or ethnic background."

The West Indies players are likely to wear the shirts for the first time in this week's four-day warm-up match at Emirates Old Trafford, starting on Monday.

The opening Test of the series, which will mark the resumption of international cricket after the coronavirus-forced hiatus, will get underway at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8.

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Agencies
July 31,2020

Hampshire, Jul 31: David Willey's maiden five-wicket haul guided England to a six-wicket victory over Ireland in the first ODI here on Friday.

With this win, the hosts have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Chasing a small target of 173 runs, England got off to a bad start as opener Jonny Bairstow was given LBW in the third over, bowled by Andy McBrine. Jason Roy was then joined by James Vince and the duo added 22 runs on the board before the former was dismissed.

Craig Young then got hold of Vince, who was caught behind after scoring 25 runs. Sam Billings and Tom Banton then took the charge of the chase but the latter too was caught behind which ended his 11-run innings.

Banton's dismissal brought skipper Eoin Morgan on the field. Billings and Morgan played stunning innings and kept scoring boundaries. Morgan struck a scintillating six on the last bowl of the 28th over to take England over the line. Morgan scored 36 runs while Billings played a knock of 67 runs.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Ireland witnessed a poor start as Paul Stirling was dismissed in the very first over of the innings, bowled by Willey. Andy Balbirnie then joined Gareth Delany but Willey struck again in his next over, removing Balbirnie.

Delany then played furiously and smashed three consecutive boundaries to Saqib Mahmood in the fourth over. However, the fall of wickets did not stop as England took three wickets in quick succession. Mahmood bowled Harry Tector while Delany and Lorcan Tucker were sent back to the pavilion by Willey.

Kevin O'Brien and Curtis Campher then took the charge and played cautiously, taking their struggling side over the 50-run mark. Adil Rashid got hold of O'Brien (22) in the 22nd over before Simranjit Singh was run out in the same over.

Andy McBrine was the next batsman and he played brilliantly along with Campher, who went on to complete his half-century. Both formed a 66-run partnership before McBrine (40) was dismissed by Tom Curran.

Campher remained unbeaten on 59 but failed to find a partner as England bundled out Ireland on 172 runs.

The second ODI between both teams will be played on Saturday.

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News Network
May 8,2020

New Delhi, May 8: India skipper Virat Kohli believes cricket in empty stadiums is a real possibility in post COVID-19 world and though it is unlikely to have a bearing on the intensity of players, he feels the magic would certainly go missing.

Cricket Boards across the globe are exploring the option of resuming the sport in empty stadiums. There is speculation that fans could be kept away from stadiums in a bid to salvage the T20 World Cup in Australia, which is currently under threat due to the global health crisis.

"It's quite a possible situation, it might happen, I honestly don't know how everyone is going to take that because we all are used to playing in front of so many passionate fans," Kohli said in Star Sports' show 'Cricket Connected'.

"I know it will be played at a very good intensity but that feeling of the crowd connecting with the players and the tension of the game where everyone goes through it in the stadium, those emotions are very difficult to recreate," he added.

Kohli said the many moments which are created because of the passion brought in by fans, would be missing.

"Things will still go on, but I doubt that one will feel that magic happening inside because of the atmosphere that was created.

"We will play sports how it is supposed to be played, but those magical moments will be difficult to come by," he said.

Cricketers such as Ben Stokes, Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Pat Cummins have backed the idea of playing behind closed doors.

However, legendary Australian Allan Border has said it would defy belief to host a World Cup without spectators.

Another Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and some other cricketers have also expressed similar sentiments.

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