LocationsSport, inclusion, and the right to vote come together during Disability Rights Week 2025
Inclusive Cricket Match Advances Disability Rights and Civic Awareness
December 19, 2025
Both teams taking oath before the match starts
©UNDP Bangladesh
A Cricket Match for Persons with Visual Impairment was held on December 17, 2025 at Farhan Faiz’s Playground in Dhaka for Persons with Disabilities, bringing together athletes with visual impairments, development partners, and disability rights advocates to promote inclusion, leadership, and civic participation through sport.
The match was organized by the National Grassroots Disability Organization (NGDO), in partnership with Sightsavers’ Equal Bangladesh Campaign and United Nations Development Programme Bangladesh, as part of a broader series of engagements marking Disability Rights Week 2025. The week underscores that disability rights are human rights, with a strong focus this year on amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities and strengthening their participation in public life.
Cricket, Bangladesh’s most popular sport, was used as a platform to challenge stereotypes around disability by putting players with visual impairments at the center of the game. The match highlighted ability and inclusion, while awareness messages on voting rights and political participation linked the field of play with democratic participation beyond it.
Sonali Dayratne, Resident Representative (a.i.), UNDP Bangladesh handing over the trophy to the champion team
©UNDP Bangladesh
Highlighting the broader human rights and democratic dimensions, Sonali Dayaratne, Resident Representative (a.i.), UNDP Bangladesh, said, “This campaign reflects UNDP’s commitment to ensuring that everyone in society can equally enjoy their rights and freedoms, just like this cricket match.”
She further added, “The right to vote is a powerful tool for persons with disabilities to claim their rights, influence political priorities, and ensure that no democracy moves forward without their full participation.”
Dr. Maruf Ahmed Mridul, Secretary of the National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh, noted, “I commend UNDP and Sightsavers for this unique cricket match and hope such inclusive events continue. Bangladeshi athletes with disabilities have shown their immense potential, and initiatives like this help them go even further.”
Abdul Hie Mondol, President of NGDO, said, “Sport is a powerful platform for inclusion. When persons with disabilities are given equal space on the field, it challenges stereotypes and affirms their right to participation, dignity, and opportunity.”
Amrita Regina Rozario, Country Director of Sightsavers Bangladesh, emphasized, “Sightsavers has long worked to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities. Today’s match is a powerful reminder of their talent and determination, and we hope our efforts continue to enable them to keep playing on the field.”
Andres Del Castillo Sanchez, Chief Technical Advisor, UNDP Bangladesh, Samsur Rahman Shuvo, Player, Bangladesh National Cricket Team and Enayet Ullah Khan, Ex-National Champion & World Federation Level 2 Certified Coach (Badminton) were also present at the event.
The cricket match reflects the shared commitment of UNDP Bangladesh, Sightsavers, and disability organizations to promote inclusive development, strengthen visibility of persons with disabilities, and create practical pathways for participation across all spheres of life.
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