New Delhi: Visually impaired cricketer and captain of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy on Tuesday was conferred with the Prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over the previous three years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy (Blind Cricket) is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with the Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports last month announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The nominated stars received their awards from the President of India.
“I am overwhelmed with this recognition. I dedicate this award to my Parents and Family members for their support. I also would like to thank the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and all the players with whom I have played,” Ajay Reddy said in a statement.
Congratulating Arjuna awardee Dr Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman- Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said “It is an honour and proud moment for all the blind cricketers across the world. It is a good recognition for the hard work and dedication in taking Cricket for the Blind to the next level through various achievements by the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind under the leadership of Ajay Reddy. CABI is happy that cricket for the blind is getting the recognition with other major sports.”
Following the Award ceremony, Illuri Ajay Reddy, the chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and CABI secretary Shailender Yadav met Indian pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award on Tuesday.
Illuri Ajay Reddy is currently working in the SBI regional office in Bangalore. He is a B2 category player, who has been representing India since 2010. He has been part of winning two ODI World Cups, 3 T20 World Cups, and 1 Asia Cup.
Ajay is the captain of the Indian cricket team for the blind since 2016. Under his captaincy, Team India has won 1 ODI World Cup, 2 T20 World Cups, 1 Asia Cup and the Silver Medal in the IBSA World Games and many bilateral and triangular Series.
The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) acknowledges the great support received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through this award. The continuous support and patronage received from the esteemed ministry has helped CABI to achieve this milestone.
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