National blind games off to a flying start

The 8th National blind games today started at Village Baddowal in which more than 400 players have come from north India. While the state Government has washed its hands from helping the association in organising the event, village Baddowal has welcomed the players with open arms.

The tournament was inaugurated by Harvir Singh Ayali, brother of Dakha MLA Manpreet Ayali, who is also president of the Dakha youth sports and social welfare society. He gave Rs 1 lakh from the society funds to the Blind Association.

On the occasion, the blind players surprised the villagers by reading, writing and even working on computers. The players have made a website where the details of tournament are being displayed live and the entire project has been handled by the blind players themselves.

The stay and food of the players has been arranged by Baba Jaspal Singh Baddowal while Surinderpal Singh, SGPC member and resident of the village, has set up a blind help centre inside the village.

The games are being organised in the village stadium and the players can be seen competing in races, high jump, long jump, short put and discuss throw.

The Punjab players bagged 5 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals today. The games will conclude on Wednesday.

Gurpreet Singh Machiwara, chief organiser of the event, said that the players have taken coaching from private coaches arranged by the Association and by their parents as well.

Products made by blind students of Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre (VRTC) were also put on display. The players have come from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and other places.

The Baddowal villagers were enthusiastic over this event and they have promised to organise this event every year in their village stadium.

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