INDIA: Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), the pioneer organisation of Differently Abled Cricket in India and Svayam, India’s leading accessibility organization, join hands to host the country’s first ever International Physically Disabled T20 Cricket Series. The series is set to take place as a 5-part T20 match series in Ahmedabad and marks the inaugural visit of the official physically challenged cricket team from England.

The International Physically Disabled T20 Cricket Series marks a significant milestone for differently abled cricket in India, providing a stage for talented para cricketers to showcase their skills and compete at an international level. Svayam rooted in their intention to make India inclusive and safe for people with reduced mobility, take the commitment a step further by joining in as an ‘Associate Partner’ of this historic T20 International series.

As a part of this, Svayam will be sponsoring the match fees of Indian Para players, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their participation. Additionally, is set to institute prestigious awards, including “Man of the Match,” “Best Bowler,” and “Batsman of the Series,” recognizing outstanding performances and contributions to the game.

Sharing her thoughts on the partnership, Sminu Jindal, Founder – Chairperson of Svayam said, “We are honored to be part of this historic T20 series that not only promotes sportsmanship but also breaks barriers by providing a platform for differently-abled cricketers to shine. Through our partnership with DCCI, we aim to encourage and celebrate excellence in para cricket in India.”

Ravi Kant Chauhan, Secretary General of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) said, “The continuous support from Svayam not only motivates us but also aids us in elevating differently-abled cricket to new heights. The hosting of the International Physically Disabled T20 Cricket Series marks a significant milestone for differently-abled cricket in India. We firmly believe in the inclusive nature of cricket as a sport, and our goal is to endorse Svayam’s cause of promoting accessibility for all. I am convinced that with enhanced accessibility, our players can achieve greater success. This initiative also opens doors for increased participation from players in rural India.”

The 5 matches in the T20 series will take place in the esteemed Ahmedabad stadium, hosted by the Gujarat Cricket Association, under the patronage of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It will feature intense matchups between the Indian and English physically challenged cricket teams and promise to be a display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

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UAE: MI Emirates claimed victory in an exciting match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The players of MI Emirates showcased outstanding skill and determination, achieving a memorable win by 8 wickets in a thrilling contest.

After winning the toss, MI Emirates chose to field first, wherein Fazalhaq Farooqui led the charge with an outstanding bowling display registering 3/35 in 4 overs. Trent Boult and Akeal Hosein restricting the flow of runs duly assisted him. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders set the target of 188 runs for MI Emirates; wherein Joe Clarke scored a quick hand 21 runs off 13 balls, who was assisted by the hero of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ last victory against Desert Vipers – Alishan Sharafu.

Renowned for his explosive batting, Andre Russell delivered a formidable conclusion to the innings. In a rapid and impressive showcase of skill, Russell amassed 46 runs in just 17 deliveries. His assertive and dynamic playing style contributed crucial runs to the team’s total, infusing energy and momentum as the innings came to an end.

Batting second, MI Emirates’ openers Kusal Perera and Muhammad Waseem set the stage chasing 189 runs in 20 overs. Kusal Perera scored 54 runs off 26 balls and Muhammad Waseem contributed 89 runs off 62 balls. Skipper Nicholas Pooran finished the chase with a remarkable 33 runs off just 19 deliveries, chasing 189 runs successfully, with an over to spare.

DP World ILT20, the world’s second most-watched T20 event is telecasted LIVE on ZEE’s 10 most widely distributed and viewed linear TV channels, including &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD, and Zee Zest HD. Additionally, the event will be available on one of India’s leading OTT platforms, ZEE5.

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PUNE: The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, PepsiCo R&D team, and brand Quaker launched ‘Bowl of Growth’ a special nutrition-focused program in partnership with NGO MAMTA HIMC in Pune, Maharashtra to provide 1,000 children aged 3 to 5 years with wholesome nourishment each day. The interventions under the Bowl of Growth program are designed with a focus on three key pillars – Nutrition, Awareness, and Education.

In India, about 1.5 million children under the age of 5 suffer from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) as a result of inadequate dietary intake and infectious diseases. To combat this issue and mark the International Year of Millets, ‘Bowl of Growth’ curated a locally acceptable recipe of ‘Panjiri’, from a millet and multigrain-based Quaker product, containing 18 additional micro-nutrients designed by PepsiCo R&D team specifically to the local needs of children from the region.

The program was launched by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra at a special event in Pune. The program was also attended by Smt. Rubal Agarwal, Commissioner, ICDS, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Ayush Prasad, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Pune, Zillha Parishad, Dr. Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, R&D Life Sciences, PepsiCo, Anshul Khanna, Senior Director & Category Head – Foods, PepsiCo India, Mijanur Rahman, R&D Region Senior Director, PepsiCo India, Kareem Mohamed, International Programs Lead, PepsiCo Foundation, and virtually by Vikas Khanna, celebrity chef & Quaker India brand ambassador.

Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, said, “As we celebrate the International Year of Millets in 2023, the ‘Bowl of Growth’ program by PepsiCo Foundation and MAMTA, will help us take forward our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of positioning India as the ‘Global Hub of Millets’. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, and the Government of Maharashtra welcome this initiative and offer full cooperation to PepsiCo for this program. Such collaborations between the private sector, government, and civil society organizations are the perfect example of how we can create a positive health impact among the underserved communities of the state, by working together and focusing on a common goal.”

Dr. Pietro Antonio Tataranni, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, R&D Life Sciences, PepsiCo, said, “Through our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) commitment, we are focused on providing positive choices that are better for people and for our planet. The ‘Bowl of Growth’ program is an important step in our efforts with Quaker to support underserved communities in India through education and awareness of the issue of malnutrition, along with the importance of millet and other critical nutrients in a child’s diet.”

C.D. Glin, President, PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Philanthropy, PepsiCo Inc., said, “At the PepsiCo Foundation, we have been working with our partners to combat food insecurity worldwide through various means, including delivering meals, helping food banks strengthen their operations, and supporting farmers with sustainable agriculture training. Food security is a global issue that requires innovative solutions that can be adapted and localized. Building upon learnings from a similar, successful program with malnourished children in Mexico, we are eager to partner with Mamta HIMC on improving access to childhood nutrition in Maharashtra.”

Ahmed ElSheikh, President, of PepsiCo India, said, “At PepsiCo India, we believe that good child nutrition can make for a brighter, more prosperous future. Through the brand Quaker, we have always focused on working towards bridging the nutrition gap and educating children on the importance of nutrition and an active lifestyle. The ‘Bowl of Growth’ program will focus on three key pillars – nutrition, awareness, and education to bring a positive change and create a lasting impact on children.”

Dr. Sunil Mehra, Executive Director, MAMTA HIMC, “Undernutrition in children sets in over a period and when unaddressed timely, mild malnutrition may proceed into moderate (MAM) and severe malnutrition (SAM). Parental knowledge of red flags or warning signs for early identification of malnutrition is critical for parents to intervene or seek help. We are delighted to associate with PepsiCo Foundation for the ‘Bowl of Growth’ program and through various on-ground interventions and nutritional supplements we look forward to creating a healthy and balanced lifestyle impact for children of Pune.”

‘Bowl of Growth’ is an extension of PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) ambition and Food for Good philanthropic efforts to create a sustainable future for people and the planet – including by increasing nutritious food access for 50 million people by 2030.

The program will be implemented in Khed Taluka, near Pune city in the Pune district of the state of Maharashtra where identified malnourished children will be provided with a nutritious supplement. The program will also include ongoing monitoring of the progress of the children to analyze the impact and nutritional recovery of the participants.

The program unveil was also accompanied by the launch of an illustrated comic book, designed to educate members of the target communities in an engaging format.

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