'Our aim is nothing short of claiming the gold' - India skipper Ajay Kumar Reddy confident ahead of World Blind Games 2023 final

As the 2023 IBSA World Games approach, India's visually challenged cricket team is gearing up for the much-anticipated event in Birmingham. Ajay Kumar Reddy, the skipper, is poised to lead the Indian side, aiming to secure yet another victory for his already impressive collection of success.

Reddy shed light on the team's relentless preparations, the highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Pakistan, and the ongoing challenges faced by blind cricket despite its numerous successes.

“The preparations are going on for the IBSA World Games 2023 which will be taking place in Birmingham. The schedule has been pretty hectic. We used to leave our hotel at around 6 am and come back around 6 pm,” Reddy said, as quoted by News18.

He further said that amid their training drills, they follow a structured routine, working with various combinations to enhance their skills which will eventually help them perform better. Reddy, with his own remarkable journey, attributed his achievements to cricket. He even candidly admitted that if faced with a choice between cricket and family, he would prioritize cricket.

The upcoming IBSA World Games mark a historic occasion as cricket is included in the event for the first time. India's visually impaired cricket team, having secured two 50-over World Cups and three T20 World Cups in the past decade, are heading into the tournament as one of the favorites.

This tournament carries immense significance: Reddy

"This tournament carries immense significance, being the debut of cricket in the World Blind Games. With dedicated preparations under the guidance of Coach John David, our aim is nothing short of claiming the gold."

As the event approaches, Reddy's journey remains a testament to the transformative power of cricket in his life. With a fervent passion for the sport, he shared, "Cricket has changed my life, boosting my confidence, leadership abilities, and resilience in the face of adversity."

In a heartfelt statement, he concluded, "There was a time when I doubted my return due to an injury. But cricket's impact on me instilled the conviction to persevere, and I made a comeback."