Kashmir’s Imran Khan in Deaf IPL

A physically challenged employee of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) will be among the few players to represent Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Deaf Indian Premiere League.

The national level league is being played at Amritsar from February 24 to March 1. Imran Khan, a deaf and dumb, who works as a computer operator in the SMC's City Drainage Civil Division, has been granted permission by SMC commissioner Dr G N Qasba to participate in the league.

 

“I am participating as a player. I have been playing cricket since 2010 and follow the game passionately,” says Khan, who is also the general secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association of Deaf. In his late twenties, Khan, a resident of Karfali Mohalla, Fateh Kadal, is also affiliated with All India Cricket Association, New Delhi.

On this rare feat and active participation in sports activities, SMC commissioner Dr Qasba not only granted him leave and permission but wished him success in his upcoming games. 

"This is a proud moment for the SMC to have its employees, despite all odds, not giving up and participating in games," said Dr Qasba.

He said such people should be a role model for all those facing challenges physically. "His dedication and commitment towards life and sports shows that a person should not allow any physical challenge to become a handicap in one's life," said Qasba.

Source : Kashmir Dispatch , 15th Feb 2014