Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta felicitated the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind following their historic triumph in the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. The ceremony took place at Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, where the Chief Minister met players, coaching staff and officials associated with the Blind Association.
Congratulating the team on their remarkable achievement, Gupta lauded their courage, resilience and fighting spirit, calling their success a proud moment for the nation. She underlined the impact of their victory beyond the cricket field, describing the players as symbols of strength and empowerment in Indian sport:
“The daughters of our nation are very strong. I firmly believe they can hit the ball out of the park,” she said, acknowledging the barriers the team has broken through their performance on the global stage.
The felicitation followed a landmark moment in disability sports, with India lifting the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup under the guidance of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India. The tournament was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and featured six participating nations. It was held from November 11 to 23, 2025, with the final played in Colombo.
Led by captain Deepika T. C. of Karnataka and vice-captain Ganga S. Kadam of Maharashtra, the Indian side enjoyed a flawless campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Their run was defined by discipline, mental toughness and strong teamwork, as the players overcame the unique challenges posed by visual impairment to deliver consistently high-quality performances.
The final saw India face Nepal at the P Sara Oval in Colombo on Sunday, November 23. After opting to bowl first, the Indian bowlers produced a controlled effort to restrict Nepal to 114 for five in their 20 overs. The chase that followed was both confident and commanding, with India reaching the target in just 12.1 overs for the loss of three wickets to secure a seven-wicket victory.
Several players stood out over the course of the tournament. Phula Saren starred in the final with an unbeaten 44 off 27 balls and was named Player of the Match. Captain Deepika T. C. played a defining role throughout the campaign, including a remarkable 91 off 58 balls against Australia. Karuna Pangi Kumari, a Class 10 student from Visakhapatnam, impressed with a calm and composed 42 in the final, showing maturity beyond her years.
India’s dominance was evident across the competition, with comprehensive league-stage wins over Sri Lanka, Australia, Nepal, USA and Pakistan. The team then registered a nine-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final to book their place in the final, underlining their growing stature in blind women’s cricket.
The achievement has inspired many across the country and reinforced the message that visual impairment is no barrier to excellence.
The recognition by the Delhi Chief Minister, along with appreciation from other dignitaries, reflects the respect the team has earned nationwide. Their success is expected to pave the way for greater visibility, investment and opportunities in women’s para and blind cricket in the years ahead.
Edited by Ashwin
