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Blind cricket team captain Shekhar Naik happy on being named for Padma Shri

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 11 February 2017, 5:45 IST

On 26 January, Indian blind cricket team captain Shekhar Naik, who was selected for Padma Shri award, credited the blind cricket fraternity in the country for the honour he received from the government.

The announcement of Naik getting the honour came as India is all set to host the second T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind from January 29 to February 12. 10 countries are set to participate in the tournament.

"Because of blind cricket I have got this recognition. Blindness is what gave me opportunities. It was not easy as I was born blind and had to overcome all odds. But now I feel it is a God's gift as I could represent my country because of cricket. The credit goes to all my colleagues who played alongside me and who supported me throughout and provided a platform to play cricket," Naik said in a statement.

"My dream of becoming captain of Indian blind cricket team was accomplished in 2010 and was captain when we won two World Cups. I have represented India in 82 matches. I am thankful to Samarthanam Trust, Bengaluru and CABI for giving this platform," he added.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli was among other sportspersons who have been picked for the prestigious Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award.

Besides Kohli and Naik, the six other sportspersons named for the award are Rio Olympics bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik, Paralympians Mariyappan Thangavelu and Deepa Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Indian hockey captain P R Sreejesh and discus thrower Vikas Gowda.

The eight sportspersons were among 89 Padma Awardees announced by the government on the eve of the Republic Day.

There were no sportspersons in the list of Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardees.

There were 75 names in the list of Padma Shri recipients.

--With PTI inputs

First published: 26 January 2017, 11:08 IST