Bhubaneswar: The First edition of the ADCA T20i Asia Cup, 2026 kicked off at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, with a grand opening ceremony. The tournament was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Rishi Pathania Vice President, Jindal Steel Limited, marking a significant milestone for the Inaugural Tournament hosted by Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) supported by ODCA & OCA. The tournament features three Nation team Sri Lanka, Nepal and India led by exceptional talent:  

Speaking about the tournament, Sumit Jain, President, ADCA, said, “The First edition of the ADCA T20i Asia Cup, 2026 reflects our continued commitment to promoting cricket among hearing-impaired athletes from across Asia. The ADCA was founded with a simple but a powerful vision to create a Global Platform where Deaf Athletes Can compete, Grow and be celebrated with dignity and equality We are deeply honoured to have Mr. Rishi Pathania Vice President, Jindal Steel Limited as the Chief Guest. I would like to extend my gratitude to team Sri Lanka, Team Nepal & Team India for being part of this Historic First Edition.”

The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished line-up of Guests of Honour, including Rishi Patania (Vice President, Jindal Foundation), Jayanta Kumar Mohanty (Head CSR, Jindal Foundation),  Shailesh Rai (TSM Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.), Kunal Gupta (Asst. Manager CSR, Hero MotoCorp – We care) and Dr. Bankim Mohanty (ED cum Secretary, Astha School Of Management).

Roma Balwani, CEO, IDCA, commented, "The First edition of the ADCA T20i Asia Cup, 2026 stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of India’s decision to establish Asian Deaf Cricket Association by Sumit Jain a veteran former hearing-impaired Indian cricketer. As we light the torch of this ADCA T20i Asia Cup, 2026 let this be the beginning of a long and impactful journey that expands to more countries, more tournaments and greater opportunities for deaf Athletes across Asia.