Jammu and Kashmir para-cricketer Amir Hussain Lone thanked Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, from the core of his heart for “opening the doors of endless possibilities” for underprivileged cricketers of the valley. The announcement has been made just as Amir’s dream-a cricket academy for local kids-is about to turn into reality for the inspiring athlete.
It has been his favorite sport, not having lost any of his interest in it despite losing both arms in a tragic accident in his father’s mill when he was just eight. He developed his own style of play: using the legs for bowling and his shoulder and neck for batting.
Amir started his journey in para cricket after one teacher recognized his talent and introduced him to this game. The 34-year-old Amir has since represented the team professionally, making his debut in 2013 in tournaments around Afghanistan, Nepal, and the UAE.
Amir’s determination has not gone unnoticed. Early this year, Gautam Adani praised his perseverance over social media and assured support from the Adani Foundation. Of late, the Foundation provided him ₹67.60 lakh to construct an indoor cricket facility in his native village of Waghama, Anantnag, so that he can finally realize his dream of training young cricketers in the region.
As Amir inspiringly quotes, a childhood incident involving himself and a duck inspired him to learn swimming, and that fire has taken him from oblivion to an internationally known para cricketer who will now be mentoring aspirants. His story itself is the very reflection that when determination and support combine, dreams start taking the shape of reality.
The recent post came in which Amir pinned highlighting how big a difference it makes when the support by Gautam Adani impacts aspiring cricketers of J&K. He has mentioned that the establishment of a cricket academy will offer professional, free-of-cost training to talented youngsters throughout the region to enable them to leave their mark in competitive cricket.
The commitment of the Adani Foundation to this vision of Amir was given in a letter by the Chairperson of the Foundation, Priti G. Adani. She showed respect for his courage and grit and mentioned that the Foundation stands with him in this effort of inspiration. With this backing, Amir and his team of cricketers are all set to justify the faith shown in them and bring laurels in the field of sports.
Notably, the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took an interest in Amir’s journey after having met him during one of his visits to Kashmir, moved by a video showcasing the training efforts put in by Amir. As Amir begins this new chapter, his indomitable spirit keeps inspiring many that if one is determined and has the right support, nothing is impossible.
