Nation First / Chillika Restaurant Honours India’s Differently-Abled Cricketers in London

London, August 20: At a time when celebrity often dominates public attention, a Southeast London restaurant chose to honour courage and resilience instead. Chillika Restaurant, founded by Odia entrepreneurs and recently crowned Best of London Restaurant at the English Curry Awards 2026, hosted members of India’s Physically Challenged and Differently-Abled Cricket Team in a special evening of recognition and encouragement.

The event, held in Bexleyheath, brought together community representatives, dignitaries, and members of the Indian diaspora. Former IREDA Chairman and Managing Director Pradip Das graced the occasion, alongside prominent figures from diverse Indian communities in the UK. The gathering was marked by warmth, respect, and shared pride in athletes whose determination has inspired millions.

Chillika’s founders, Partha Sarathi Panda and Subhakanta Das, envisioned the evening not merely as a celebratory meal but as an expression of dignity and inclusion. They were supported by Director Debasmita Mohapatra and Strategic Partner Capt. Arun Kar (Retd.), an Odisha-origin British entrepreneur and military veteran. Together, they extended hospitality to the players and reinforced the restaurant’s commitment to community and cultural engagement.

The players honoured included Jayesh Parmar, Tarun, Rizwan Altaf Bhat, Arjun Rajesh Gawre, Kuldeep Singh, Yashwanth Naidu Ravuri, Vivek Kumar, Sudarsun Elangovan, Hilal Ahmad Wani, Sai Akash Saivamani, Ravindra Gopinath Sante, Yogendra Singh, Vrushant Sandip Gunjal, Rajesh Irappa Kannur, Majid Ah Magray and Shiva Shankara Guntiganapalli Subbarayappa. They were accompanied by Head Coach Rohit Jhalani, Assistant Coach Dev Dutt, Fielding Coach Rohit Sharma, H&C Coach Ramswaroop Saini, Social Media Manager Vasan Giri, Physio Mayank Pushkar, Team Manager Vineet Malhotra and Logistic Manager Dhiraj Harde. Officials from the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), including Sumit Jain and Vinit Agrawal, were also present.

The evening reflected Chillika’s larger vision of community and social purpose. Known for its authentic Odia cuisine and Indian hospitality, the restaurant has become a platform for cultural celebrations and charitable initiatives. By honouring differently-abled athletes, Chillika underscored its belief that courage and perseverance transcend barriers, carrying forward the message of Nation First.