The Inaugural Divyam Cricket Awards: A Landmark Celebration of Disability Cricket in India

On September 21, 2025, the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), in collaboration with the Rajasthan Disabled Cricket Association (RDCA), marked a historical moment in Indian sports by hosting the inaugural “Divyam Cricket Awards – DCCI Physical Disability Annual Awards 2025” at the luxurious Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur. This ceremony aimed to honor the exceptional contributions and achievements of cricketers, coaches, administrators, and supporters within the disability cricket community.

A Celebration of Resilience and Inclusivity

The Divyam Cricket Awards are not merely an acknowledgment of sporting excellence; they symbolize the unyielding spirit and resilience of cricketers who continue to inspire society through their passion for the game. This groundbreaking initiative stands as a testament to the power of sport to transcend barriers and promote inclusivity, providing a much-needed platform for recognition and celebration.

Chief Guests and Distinguished Guests

The event attracted notable figures in sports and administration, including the esteemed Chief Guest, Mr. Neeraj K. Pawan, Chairman of the Rajasthan State Sports Council & Youth Affairs. Among the guests of honor were Mr. D. D. Kumawat, Convenor of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), and Mr. Ravikant Chauhan, Secretary of the DCCI.

Key Announcements Spark Hope for the Future

Mr. Neeraj K. Pawan and Mr. D. D. Kumawat made significant announcements during the ceremony. They revealed plans for the India-England Mixed Disability Cricket Series to be hosted in Jaipur, reinforcing their commitment to the growth and recognition of disability cricket in India. This event promises to elevate the profile of the sport and foster greater engagement from fans and participants alike.

Adding to the excitement, Mr. Ravikant Chauhan announced the imminent implementation of a structured framework for disability cricket. He also confirmed that salaries for disabled cricketers would soon be initiated, offering much-needed financial stability and professional recognition to the players.

The Winners of Divyam Cricket Awards 2025

This prestigious ceremony also celebrated individual achievements through various awards:

Players’ Awards

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Ravindra Patil (Mumbai)
• Special Contribution Award: Gurudas Raut (Vidarbha)
• Players’ Choice (Popular Player): Vikrant Keni (Mumbai)
• DCCI Player of the Year: Rajesh Kannur (Karnataka)
• Iconic Player Award: Shivshankar (Karnataka)
• Best Amazing Player: Surendra Khorwal (Rajasthan)
• Rising Star of the Year: Adil Nansola (Gujarat)
• Best Junior Player: Anwar Ali (Uttar Pradesh)
• Best Coach: Chandrabhan Giri (Hyderabad)

Special Recognition Awards

• Lifetime Contribution Award: Mr. Nitendra Singh (Baroda)
• Disability Cricket Development Award: Adishwar Jain (Mumbai), Dipen Gandhi (Gujarat), Girish Shevate (Maharashtra), Uttapal Majumdar (West Bengal)
• Leadership & Motivation Award: Jaipuria Cricket Academy (Rohit Jhalani, Rajasthan)
• Grassroots Disability Cricket Development Award: Vidarbha Disabled Cricket Association
• Special Recognition (Sponsorship, Infrastructure & Awareness): Rajesh Bhardwaj (Noida)
• Best Zonal Coordinator: Madhusudan Naik (South Zone)
• Power Play Support Award: Sanjay Singh Tomar (Madhya Pradesh)
• Best Administrator Award: Dheeraj Harde (Vidarbha)
• National Best Team: Jammu & Kashmir
• Best Association of the Year: Chhattisgarh Disabled Cricket Association

A Platform for Future Generations

The message from DCCI encapsulates the essence of this historic event: “This is the first time that the Divyam Cricket Awards have been held to formally recognize and honor disabled cricketers. Going forward, these awards will be an annual feature.” The leadership emphasized the importance of uplifting the prestige of differently-abled players to inspire future generations and instill a stronger passion and pride in their game.

The event has set a new benchmark for recognizing not just the achievements of players but also the spirit of inclusivity that sports can bring to society. As the first of many annual celebrations, the Divyam Cricket Awards are poised to foster a culture of respect, recognition, and celebration around disability cricket in India, creating a robust foundation for the sport’s future.

The Divyam Cricket Awards were truly a celebration of courage, resilience, and inclusivity. This historic milestone resonates deeply within the disability cricket community and the broader landscape of Indian sports, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future for all athletes, regardless of their abilities.