Eyeway Conversations with Rajanish Henry

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in an inspiring dialogue with Rajanish Henry, the newly elected Secretary General of the World Blind Cricket Council. A native of Calicut, Kerala, Rajnish shares his journey from growing up in a state where football reigned supreme to becoming a key figure in blind cricket on a global stage.
Born with vision but losing it later in life, Rajanish recounts how his early fascination with cricket began with the 1985 Benson & Hedges series. His determination to pursue his passion led him to discover blind cricket in 1991 and eventually represent Kerala in state and national tournaments.
Rajanish speaks about his education at Assisi School for the Blind and Kerala Federation of the Blind School, where he transitioned into a life of independence. After completing his postgraduate degree in English literature and B.Ed., Rajanish became a dedicated teacher, using his experiences to inspire his students.
From playing for Kerala to becoming a key organizer of blind cricket tournaments, Rajanish reflects on his pivotal role in promoting the sport. He shares milestones like hosting the 2012 T20 World Cup and the 2016 Asia Cup in Kochi, which brought global attention to blind cricket.
Now leading the World Blind Cricket Council, Rajanish discusses his vision for the future-relocating the headquarters to Dubai, improving global standards of blind cricket, and ensuring financial barriers don’t exclude teams from international tournaments. He also delves into efforts to expand blind cricket into new regions, including a recent initiative in the United States aimed at forming teams, including women players, ahead of the first Women’s Blind Cricket World Cup in 2025.
Join us for an enlightening conversation as Rajanish Henry shares his journey, challenges, and plans to elevate blind cricket worldwide, inspiring us with his passion for sports and inclusivity.
Topics Covered:
Early life and education at Assisi School for the Blind and Kerala Federation of the Blind School.
⦁ Academic journey and professional career as a teacher in Kerala.
⦁ Introduction to blind cricket and playing for Kerala and South Zone.
⦁ Organizing pivotal tournaments like the 2012 T20 World Cup and 2016 Asia Cup.
⦁ Vision for World Blind Cricket: Expanding to new countries, financial inclusion, and women’s cricket.
⦁ Recent initiatives to promote blind cricket in the United States.
Resources Mentioned:
⦁ T20 Blind Cricket World Cup (2012): Pioneering tournament that elevated the sport.
⦁ Asia Cup for Blind Cricket (2016): Hosted in Kochi, showcasing regional talent.
⦁ World Blind Cricket Council: Efforts to expand the sport globally.
Tune in to this episode for a fascinating journey of resilience, leadership, and vision that promises to inspire sports enthusiasts and advocates for inclusivity alike.