Himachal youth Amit Thakur makes it to India-B team in wheelchair cricket, hails from remote Chamba village

TNR News Network
Chamba:
Amit Thakur of remote Makdoga village in Salooni tehsil of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh has turned physical limitation into a story of national pride. Despite being 85% physically disabled and reliant on a wheelchair, Amit has secured a coveted spot in India-B, one of the three national teams in India’s Wheelchair Cricket Tri-series, set to be held from August 7 to 9 in Chennai.

The matches will take place at the Amma Cricket Ground in Melmaruvathur, where the top players from across the country — divided into India-A, India-B and India-C — will battle it out in one of the most prestigious tournaments in adaptive cricket.

Journey of grit and purpose

Currently a primary school teacher in the Chuwari education block, Amit has been playing wheelchair cricket since 2018. Not only is he an experienced national-level player, but also the captain of Himachal Pradesh’s Wheelchair Cricket Team, having led the state in two national championships.

Amit recalls his early love for cricket. “As a child, I always wanted to play, but my condition kept me away from the field. When I learned about wheelchair cricket, it felt like a long-lost dream was suddenly within reach,” he said.

Wheelchair cricket: Levelling the playing field

Wheelchair cricket has emerged as a transformative platform for athletes with disabilities. The rules largely mirror mainstream cricket, but all gameplay — batting, bowling, fielding and running — is conducted from wheelchairs. Nearly every Indian state now fields a wheelchair cricket team, helping restore not just the dreams but also the dignity of players like Amit.

Rajan Kumar, Director of the Himachal Pradesh Wheelchair Cricket Team, and Gurmeet Dhiman, the team’s head coach, expressed immense pride in Amit’s achievement. “Amit’s selection is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the entire state,” said Kumar. “He’s an inspiration to all — proof that passion and perseverance can overcome any hurdle.”