Samarth Sports Empowerment Programme
By Hyundai Motor India Foundation & Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled

Objectives of the Programme

To promote inclusion and empowerment of visually impaired individuals, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5 - empowerment & gender equality, and SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth) through cricket, aiming for the following:

• Facilitate effective training and coaching for 50 blind cricketers (25 men and 25 women) annually.
• Selecting beneficiaries from different states each year(Year 1 – Tamil Nadu, Year 2- Maharashtra, Year 3- Haryana).
• Providing Beneficiaries with 20-day coaching camps comprising 4 sessions of 5 days each
• Offering educational support for the beneficiaries

Samarth Initiative by Hyundai

Samarth is an initiative driven by Hyundai Motor India, which aims towards creating a more aware and inclusive society towards people with disabilities in India.
With technology, partnerships, product innovations, and storytelling, Samarth is about turning the world into a level-playing field for all. Because disabilities that some of us have to live with should not define how we live, or what we can - or cannot - achieve.

Samarth is also an initiative to change mindsets and spark change. A change that will make the world see the true capability of the people with disabilities.
A shift that will make everyone push as one for a more equitable and inclusive environment. Helping create a world where we can all grow into the best versions of ourselves.
Together, through mobility and for humanity.

Click to know more: https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/hyundai-story/samarth

 HYUNDAI MOTORS INDIA FOUNDATION (HMIF)

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) was formed in the year 2006 with a purpose of ‘giving back’ to society and initiate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, in line with Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. HMIF has undertaken various community development projects under the aegis of Hyundai’s ‘Creating-Shared-Values’ (CSV) direction of ‘CONTINUE’, which encourages sustainable development and promotes inclusive growth. Activities undertaken under the CSV pillars of ‘Earth’, ‘Mobility’ and ‘Hope’ focus on areas of community development, healthcare, educational & vocational training, environment, road-safety, art, science & technology.

Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF): https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/hyundai-story/csr

About Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, a National Award-winning NGO established in 1997 by Founder Managing Trustee Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and Late Sugur Paramashivaiah Nagesh, is one of India's largest NGOs. It empowers persons with disabilities and the underserved through initiatives focused on education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training, and placement-based rehabilitation, ensuring their inclusion and equal opportunities in society. The organization serves as a complete solution provider, addressing education and livelihood needs for persons with disabilities and those from underprivileged backgrounds. Additionally, Samarthanam facilitates access to assistive devices, fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The organization also plays a significant role in fostering blind cricket through Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), its cricketing arm.

About CABI:

CABI (Cricket Association for the Blind in India) has played a pivotal role in the evolution of blind cricket, transforming it from an informal game with makeshift equipment to a professional sport played at the National and International levels

By providing visually impaired players with a dedicated platform, CABI aims to showcase hidden talents, boost self-confidence, foster sportsmanship, and emphasize abilities over disabilities. The success portfolio of the Indian Blind Cricket team includes notable achievements such as winning the 1st and 2nd T20 World Cup Championships in 2012 and 2017, India-England Series in 2012, India-Pakistan Series in 2012, India-Australia Series in 2014, 4th and 5th ODI World Cup in 2014 and 2018, T-20 Asia Cup in 2016, Bilateral Series in 2018, Bilateral and Triangular Series in 2018, Nagesh Trophy 2019, Jamaica Tour in 2019, and the India vs Bangladesh Bilateral Series.

The Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind achieved international acclaim by winning the 3rd T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind in 2022 against Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone on December 17, 2022, at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. CABI continues its efforts by organizing events and tournaments, offering visually impaired cricket players opportunities to showcase their talents and elevate their stature in the cricketing world. India stands as the only country to conquer all International Championship formats in blind cricket.

Criteria for selection

• Applicants must fall within the age range of 16 to 23 years.
• Possession of a UDID card is a prerequisite for eligibility.
• Educational qualification should be a minimum of 10th pass.
• Eligibility extends to beneficiaries with complete blindness or partial sightedness up to 6 meters.
• Last date for applying is 10th March 2024