Six specially-abled cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir have been selected to participate in the Indian Wheelchair Premier League (IWPL) Season 7, scheduled to be held in Dwarka, New Delhi, from June 14 to June 21, 2026. The players received sponsorship support from HELP Foundation J&K to facilitate their participation in the national-level tournament.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the selected players are Romaisar Wani, Gowher Ahmad, Adil Nabi Bhat, Mohammad Shafi, Abdul Latief and Naserul Gaffar Sheikh. The players were selected through the Haryana Wheelchair Cricket Association (HWCA) and will represent one of the eight franchise teams competing in the tournament.
The Indian Wheelchair Premier League Season 7 is being jointly organized by Ek Muthi Organisation and the Wheelchair Cricket India Association (WCIA). The event is expected to feature leading wheelchair cricketers from different parts of India and provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talent at the national level.
In its communication regarding the selection, the Haryana Wheelchair Cricket Association said the players earned their places in the tournament through hard work, discipline and consistent performances in wheelchair cricket. The association described the selection as a matter of pride for both the players and the wider wheelchair cricket community.
A flag-off ceremony for the selected players was held at the central office of HELP Foundation J&K in Srinagar. The event was attended by foundation members, including Danish Manzoor, an international Taekwondo athlete and Fit India Ambassador.
Speaking at the ceremony, HELP Foundation J&K Chairperson Nighat Shafi Pandit congratulated the players on their achievement and praised their determination and perseverance. She said the athletes serve as role models for young people in Jammu & Kashmir and demonstrate that physical disability does not limit an individual’s potential when supported by commitment and resilience.
Pandit said the participation of the players in the national tournament highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities and support to persons with disabilities. She added that their journey can inspire both specially-abled youth and others striving to overcome challenges in pursuit of their goals.
HELP Foundation J&K said it extended sponsorship support to ensure the players could take part in the tournament and represent Jammu & Kashmir on a national stage. The organization stated that sports play an important role in promoting inclusion, dignity, confidence and empowerment among persons with disabilities.
The foundation said it remains committed to supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities and hopes the participation of the six cricketers will encourage greater involvement of persons with disabilities in sports, education, entrepreneurship and leadership. It also extended its best wishes to the players for a successful campaign in the upcoming tournament.
The Chenab Times News Desk