Queen awards Umesh Valjee with MBE in the  New Year’s Honours List

31 December 2011

Disability cricket has united in praise of Umesh Valjee, son of Mrs Vilasben and Mr Girdharlal Damodar Valjee Dhanak, after the England Deaf team captain was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List for services to disabled sport.

MBE - Member of the Order of the British Empire is awarded for outstanding service to the community that merits public recognition. For Umesh, the award caps a magnificent 12 months for the opening batsman whose exploits on the England Deaf tour of Australia last winter saw him named ECB Disability Cricketer of the Year.

Captain of the England Deaf XI on their tour to Australia last winter, he scored three centuries for England in the first four games and was named the player of the series. ECB national disability manager Ian Martin led the accolades for Umesh who made his international debut in 1992 and has since played 56 times for England, 43 of those as captain.

The Queen has invited both proud parents Girdharbhai and Vilasben to Buckingham Palace for the ceremony in February when she bestows the honour to Umesh.

Congratulation

Several of our community members informed me by phone and e-mails of this good news. The whole Pattni community is delighted that Umesh has received such a prestigious honour. On behalf of the Parajiya Pattni Soni community worldwide, I would like to congratulate Umesh on his award.

Umesh’s full profile and the memorable photos with the Queen will be posted on our website in February.

Guestbook is now open to send your message to Umesh

This news is indeed is the most exciting news for our Pattni community. The guestbook is now open. Turn on the volume to listen to the inspirational song and sign your message of congratulations to Umesh and let’s all share the happiness with him and his family. Enjoy..

Click - Guestbook