The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, addressed the 6th WCFI Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026 as the Chief Guest at the Panjab University Cricket Ground, saying the event is not merely a sporting competition but a celebration of courage, equality and inclusion.
Earlier, Panjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig welcomed the Governor and other dignitaries at the venue. Addressing the gathering, the Administrator said the two-day championship, themed “Inclusive India through Sports: Capacity Building and Leadership Development of Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Futures”, has brought together 45 Divyang athletes and young leaders from across the country and reflects the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He said wheelchair cricket proves that physical limitations can never define human potential and called upon society to ensure inclusive infrastructure, education, sports and employment for persons with disabilities. Appreciating the efforts of the Wheelchair Cricket Federation of India (WCFI), APSWDP, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Panjab University and other partner organisations, Shri Kataria also paid tribute to Late Rekha Trivedi for initiating the championship in 2017.
Referring to the achievements of Indian para-athletes, the Administrator encouraged participants to inspire others through their determination and sportsmanship. He highlighted initiatives of the Government of India, including the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, UDID, ADIP Scheme, National Education Policy 2020 and Khelo India, and expressed confidence that the championship would strengthen the message of accessibility, dignity and equal opportunity, with every participant serving as an ambassador of an inclusive India.
The championship is aimed to promote inclusive sports and create greater awareness about the abilities and achievements of para athletes under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Champions Through Inclusive Cricket”. The two-day championship, being held on July 18 and 19 at the PU Cricket Ground, features teams from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh competing for the title.
Among those present on the occasion also included PU NSS coordinator Prof Anupam Bahri and dignitaries of the Wheelchair Cricket Federation of India, PU officials, organisers, players, sports enthusiasts and PU NSS volunteers.