Chandigarh , February 9:- Haryana Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini said that the courage of a player is his greatest strength . When the courage is high, no deficiency can stop the path of success . Our government is resolved that every talent should get a platform and every dream should take flight . To provide better training and opportunities to the differently abled players, special sports facilities and a separate stadium will be developed in the state for them . This was said by the Chief Minister on Monday at the inauguration of the Nagesh Trophy National T-20 Cricket Tournament for the Visually Impaired (Men) at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium , Gurugram Cricket Ground .
          He inaugurated the event as the chief guest and announced a financial assistance of Rs. 21 lakh for the event . On this occasion , Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh , Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam and Pataudi MLA Bimala Chaudhary were specially present.
          The Chief Minister welcomed the Indian women's cricket team, which won the first T20 Women's Blind World Cup, and felicitated the team players . He said that the team has brought glory to the country through their courage , discipline and hard work and this achievement is an inspiration for the entire nation , especially the disabled players .
          The Chief Minister said that this competition is not just a sports event , but a celebration of self-confidence , determination , courage and equal opportunities . The visually impaired players are proving with their hard work and determination that success requires not only vision but also a strong will .
          He said that visually impaired cricket has been played in the country since 1990 and this tournament is organized in the memory of the founder chairman of CABI, Mr. SP Nagel . In the 8th edition of Nagesh Trophy , teams from 29 states are participating and a total of 73 matches will be played . The best players selected from the competition will represent India in the international competitions of the year 2026-27 .
          Chief Minister Shri Naib Singh Saini said that the double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is implementing the mantra of Sabka Saath , Sabka Vikas , Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas . The sports infrastructure is being strengthened for the empowerment of the disabled and the players . Training facilities , financial assistance and employment opportunities are being increased so that every player can showcase his talent .
          He said that in the last 11 years, Rs 989 crore has been spent on the development of sports facilities in the state and the budget of the sports department has been increased from Rs 275 crore to more than Rs 602 crore . Under the Haryana Excellence Sports Service Rules 2021 , 550 new posts have been created and 231 sportspersons have been provided government jobs . A modern rehabilitation center has also been established in Panchkula for the treatment and rehabilitation of sportspersons.
          Minister of State for Sports Shri Gaurav Gautam while addressing the players said that differently abled players are giving a new direction to the society with their hard work , discipline and dedication . He said that the government is committed to providing all possible resources and facilities to the players and such events play an important role in giving recognition to the players at the national level.
          Meanwhile, U-19 player Tejaswini Yadav donated this year's money received from BCCI to the India Women's Blind Cricket Team to boost the morale of the players , which was appreciated by the Chief Minister . After this, an exhibition match was played between the teams of Karnataka and Haryana, in which the players displayed excellent sportsmanship and the audience cheered them on with enthusiasm.
          Parliamentary Board Member Sudha Yadav, HPSC Member Mamata Yadav, DC Ajay Kumar, CP Vikas Arora , Cricket Association for the Blind in India Chairman Dr. Mahantesh, General Secretary Shailendra Yadav and other dignitaries were present at the program.