Puneri Paltan joins hands with AIASHA (All India Andh Stri Hitt Association) to empower the visually impaired Kabaddi players

Pune, September 25, 2017: Puneri Paltan one of the top performing teams in the Pro Kabaddi League recently joined hands with the NGO AIASHA (All India Andh Stri Hitt Association) - an organization promoting sports for visually challenged, to organize a Kabaddi match for the visually impaired players at Liberty Square Garden in Phoenix Market City, Pune. The event was attended by Dharmaraj Cheralathan, Girish Ernak and Mrs. Neha Pawaskar, the founder and secretary of AIASHA. Many people in the mall gathered to witness this one of a kind kabaddi match and also cheered for the teams. This match was organized by Puneri Paltan with the motive to showcase the hidden talent that the differently abled people possess.

Speaking on the occasion, Dharmaraj Cheralathan said, “I have been playing Kabaddi for almost 15 plus years now, but I have never seen a match like this. Kabaddi is a tough game and requires a lot of skills, but I was amazed to see the techniques and footwork displayed by these players in spite of their physical challenges. The sportsmanship that these players have shown is admirable. I wish all the players of AIASHA best of luck for all their future endeavours.”

Commenting on the occasion, Kailash Kandpal CEO and Team Manager of Puneri Paltan said, “We at Puneri Paltan believe in empowering people. These visually challenged Kabaddi players have tremendous potential and fighting spirit. Even though they can’t see, they have a vision. It was a privilege for us to witness such an amazing game of Kabaddi. Kabaddi being a contact sport, it is difficult to judge the opponents’ moves without being able to see, but the skill shown by these players is commendable. This initiative by Puneri Paltan in association with AIASHA is a part of our vision to promote Kabaddi in every strata of the society.”

Speaking on the occasion, Neha Pawaskar, Founder and secretary of AIASHA said, “Puneri Paltan has left no stone unturned to hunt for talent. The players of AIASHA are passionate about Kabaddi and work hard to cultivate and improve their skills. I am thankful to the Puneri Paltan team for giving us a platform to showcase our ability. It was heart-warming to witness the crowd cheer for the players of AIASHA. With such support and affection, our players are highly motivated.”

These teams were coached by Mrs. Neha Pawaskar and Mr. Nalin Pawaskar from AIASHA foundation. AIASHA was established in 2003 for the welfare of the visually impaired people. They organize and participate various sports competitions for the visually challenged. They train people in adventure sports, football, Kabaddi, swimming, cricket and martial arts. 18 players from AIASHA participated in the Kabaddi match. Post the demo match, all the players were felicitated with certificates and Puneri Paltan merchandise. The Liberty square Garden, where the match was conducted also has a Puneri Paltan Fan Zone especially constructed for the fans before the home leg. The home leg matches of Puneri Paltan are scheduled in Pune from 13th October till 20th October, 2017 in Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Balewadi, Pune.