Varanasi: West Bengal emerged champions of the Seva Sankalp Trophy 2026 Divyang T20 Cricket Tournament, defeating Uttar Pradesh by eight wickets in the final at Varanasi.Batting first after winning the toss, Uttar Pradesh were bowled out for 112 in 18.5 overs. Omveer was the top scorer with 47 off 42 balls, including four boundaries and a six. For West Bengal, Parnav Aarav, Debashish and Mudassar claimed two wickets each.In reply, West Bengal chased down the target comfortably in just 11.4 overs, losing two wickets. Mahesh Saw starred with an unbeaten 56 off 34 balls, striking three fours and four sixes. Mehtab took both wickets for Uttar Pradesh. Mahesh was named Man of the Match for his match-winning knock.Earlier, in the final league match, Vidarbha defeated Odisha by 54 runs. After electing to bat, Vidarbha posted 105/9 in 15 overs, with Suman Thakur scoring 26. Kishore picked up three wickets for Odisha. Chasing 106, Odisha were bundled out for 51 in 11.4 overs. Ayush Tiwari starred with the ball, taking 5/6, and was adjudged Man of the Match.At the conclusion of the tournament, Omveer of Uttar Pradesh was named Best Batsman and Man of the Series. Mudassar of West Bengal received the Best Bowler award, while JP Singh of Uttar Pradesh was adjudged Best Fielder. Winners, runners-up and other participating teams were honoured with cash prizes, medals and trophies.Sports empower Divyangjan physically, socially and economically: MandaviyaVaranasi: Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya said sports provide the biggest platform for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, helping them become physically and mentally stronger while also expanding social and economic opportunities.Addressing the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the Seva Sankalp Trophy 2026 Divyang T20 Cricket Tournament in Varanasi, Mandaviya congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting a national-level tournament for Divyang cricketers. The event was organised under Seva Sankalp Month to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.UP sports minister Girish Yadav said the state govt remains committed to providing better sporting infrastructure and basic facilities for Divyang athletes. Kashi BJP regional president Ashok Chaurasia said Varanasi has a long tradition of working for the welfare of Divyangjan and that such efforts have gained momentum under the BJP govt.Divyang Cricket Association president Uttam Ojha said the govt is supporting initiatives aimed at promoting sports among persons with disabilities. All India Divyang Cricket Association general secretary Sanjay Chaurasia said efforts are underway to organise an international Divyang cricket match in Kashi.Organising committee chairman Siddharth Singh said the success of the tournament has set a new benchmark for Divyang sports in the region and similar competitions would be organised in the future.
