Journey towards Divyaang Cricket Champions - Purple Fest 2025

By Shiva Prasad, Captain — Chalangute Challengers

The sun shone bright over the vibrant grounds of Purple Fest 2025 in Goa as the Divyaang Cricket Championship unfolded — a showcase of courage, teamwork, and the unbreakable spirit of differently-abled athletes. As captain of the Chalangute Challengers, I had the immense honor of leading our team to lift the championship trophy after an unforgettable week of competition, hardship, and pride.

A vision turned into reality

When the organizers of Purple Fest Goa and Wheelchair Cricket India decided to include a wheelchair cricket championship, it was more than just an event — it was a statement of inclusion and empowerment. For many of us, it symbolized recognition of the effort and sacrifice behind every athlete who refuses to let physical barriers define them.

Our journey: grit, belief, and brotherhood

The road to Goa wasn’t easy. Each of us carried stories of perseverance. Golu Chaudhary Kumar, our vice-captain and opening batsman, balanced his day job while training late into the night. Mahesh & Santosh, our star bowler from Goa & AP, faced repeated health & travel delays but still arrived with his ever-smiling confidence. Abhishek Swamy, who plays despite partial arm mobility, was our fielding backbone — proving that determination can outshine limitation and a Crucial catch of Sundaramoorthy in the Finals.

My own journey as captain was filled with constant learning — from coordinating logistics, arranging adaptive gear, to keeping morale high when fatigue and Injuries hit us during the semifinals. But what made it all worthwhile was how each player stepped up selflessly when the team needed them most.

The tournament unfolds

Twelve teams and more than 200+ wheelchair cricketers from across India — competed fiercely. Every match had its own intensity, but it was the spirit of friendship and respect that stood out.

In our opening match, Krishnanpal Muvel led the bowling charge with a solid figures taking 4 wickets , stopping Benaulim Blazers to just 56 runs setting the tone for the tournament. 

2nd Match, Player of Match - Mallikarjun with brilliant innings of 61 runs in 50 balls and taking 2 wickets.

3rd Match, Quarter Finals we faced Baga Blasters, Mahesh and Mallikarjun took 2 wickets each to restrict for a below average score, and Player of match came to for the knock of 40 runs with 7 4s and 1 six in a low scoring game.

The semifinal was an emotional rollercoaster. Mallikarjun, our star player, played through the fatigue but still managed a crucial performance of 45 runs and picking one wicket.

The grand finale: where hearts ruled over hardship

The final against Palolem Pirates was intense. They were technically strong and had won all their group matches convincingly. Batting first, We posted 222 in 20 overs — a challenging target on that surface.

We started cautiously, with Mahesh and Golu anchoring the innings while Mahesh tried for bigger hits and Golu rotated strike and keep momentum. We kept going till 20 overs not letting them comeback. With Bowling we had come up with a great strategy keeping the off field with stronger fielders taking 2 catches. Brilliant bowling figures of Santosh picking up 4 wickets never letting them stitch partnerships. Golu was a great surprise with attacking batting and still in front of the eyes way he covered all three stumps and started smack boundaries towards square leg region. Abhishek with brilliant catch was the last nail. A perfect revenge for ASLT20.

When the last bowled we had won the game by 76 runs— players, support staff Kevin Simon our coach and Dilip our Manager, and volunteers celebrating not just a victory, but a dream fulfilled.

Individual brilliance, collective spirit

• Shiva Prasad (Captain): Tactical leadership and all-round performance throughout the tournament. Managed on-field strategies and inspired the team with composure under pressure.

• Golu (Vice-Captain): Consistent batting, anchoring crucial partnerships, and leading the top order.

• Mallikarjun (All-rounder): Tournament’s standout bowler with 11 wickets, including three in the final.

• Mahesh (Young Talent): Calm finisher and Hard hitter — his confidence in the finals was extraordinary.

• Abhishek (Fielding Specialist): Saved at least 20 runs through diving stops and sharp throws from the boundary.

• Support Crew: Kevin Simon (Coach, Dilip (Manager), and our volunteers who came to goa just to see us with — the silent heroes who made sure we could perform at our best.

A festival that embraced inclusion

Purple Fest’s audience brought energy and love. Many had never seen adaptive sports live before, but by the second day, they were chanting team names and applauding every boundary and wicket. Local artists even performed between matches, turning the arena into a celebration of unity.

Special appreciation goes to the festival organizers and volunteers led by Goa’s Disability Commission Office, Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, Stany and Abhay Bhaiya, and Purple Fest’s sports committee, who ensured accessibility, comfort, and fair play. Their efforts to create ramps, rest areas, and medical support reflected true inclusion.

Challenges that strengthened us

Despite the smooth organization, we faced hurdles — travel coordination, limited adaptive practice zones, and equipment wear and tear. But every obstacle reminded us why we play — to prove that ability, not disability, defines our spirit.

What victory means

Winning the Divyaang Cricket Championship wasn’t just about a trophy — it was about representation. It told every young athlete with a disability that they belong on the field, under the spotlight, and in the conversation about Indian sport.

For me, leading the Chalangute Challengers was the proudest chapter of my journey. Watching my teammates rise beyond fatigue and pain to bring home the title reaffirmed that sport is the greatest equalizer.

Gratitude & the road ahead

To the organizers, sponsors, and fans — thank you. To every player who rolled their wheels onto that pitch — you are the real champions. And to my team, the Chalangute Challengers — this win is forever ours.

We now look forward to taking wheelchair cricket to more states, nurturing young players, and building a national platform that celebrates Divyaang athletes not once a year, but all year round.

Champions of the Divyaang Cricket Championship — Purple Fest Goa 2025 Chalangute Challengers — led by Shiva Prasad

Watch all the live actions on : (5) Divyaang Myithri Sports Academy - YouTube