In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Election Commission of India (ECI) collaborated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organise an Exhibition Cricket Match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) Team and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) at Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi, to foster inclusivity and education of voters.
On this occasion, an Arjuna Awardee and distinguished Para-archer, Ms. Sheetal Devi, was declared the “National Icon” in the PwD category. The eminent guests present at this event were the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Rajiv Kumar, and Election Commissioners, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, who emblazoned the winning team. One of the special guests of this event was the former Indian Cricketer, Mr. Nikhil Chopra, alongside many eminent officials from DDCA and IDCA.
This cricket match upheld the ECI Chief’s commitment to the Indian Deaf Cricket team during a ceremony when the IDCA team brought laurels to the nation by winning the T20 Champions Trophy held in UAE in 2022. Back then, Mr. Kumar had said, “ECI will explore the possibility of sponsoring a match of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association team with mainstream cricket teams.”
During the event, the ECI launched a dedicated Voter’s Guide for PwDs and Senior Citizen Electors. This comprehensive booklet outlines essential provisions available to PwDs and senior citizens, including infrastructural, informative, and procedural details at polling stations and also the applicability and procedure for Postal Ballots, facilitating a smooth and pleasurable voting experience.
The Election Commission of India remains optimistic that such initiatives will significantly enhance voter participation, particularly among youth and persons with disabilities, in the upcoming general elections. Through a meticulously designed framework of guidelines and inclusive measures, the Commission is committed to ensuring a truly representative and healthy democracy.
