- PM, Sports Minister, BCCI and Nita Ambani hail the landmark victory as a defining moment for inclusive sports
- Team’s first-ever World Cup title showcases grit, talent and the rising momentum of disability cricket in India
- Champions return home as icons of courage and new ambassadors of accessible sporting opportunities
NE SPORTS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOV 28
India’s blind women’s cricket team scripted a golden chapter in Indian sporting history by clinching the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, drawing praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Sports Minister, BCCI leadership, and sporting philanthropist Nita M. Ambani.
The victory, described as a “milestone for the nation’s inclusive sports movement”, has electrified the sporting fraternity and inspired millions across the country.
PM Modi Hails Team as “Champions of Courage”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team for their historic feat, noting that their success reflects the “indomitable courage and determination” that define India’s sporting spirit.
He said the visually impaired players had proved that “limitations cannot dim the fire of aspiration” and that their achievement would uplift countless young athletes with disabilities.
Sports Minister Calls It a Defining Moment for Inclusive Sports
Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya commended the players and support staff, calling the World Cup win “a breakthrough moment in India’s journey towards a more inclusive and barrier-free sporting ecosystem.”
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to expanding infrastructure, training facilities and competitive platforms for para and disability sports.
Nita M. Ambani: “True Vision Comes From the Heart”
Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation and a leading voice in promoting women’s sports, lauded the players for their extraordinary achievement.
“Our girls in blue have made us proud once again, as India’s visually impaired women’s cricket team won the inaugural T20 Cricket World Cup. They have shown us that true vision comes from the heart. Their triumph is a victory of courage, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. They have lit a path of hope, possibility, and inspiration for millions. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families!” she said.
Her message echoed nationwide celebrations, especially among grassroots sports communities and disability-rights advocates.
BCCI Leadership Applauds the Team’s Feat
Top officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commended the team, describing the win as a landmark moment that strengthens India’s global leadership in both mainstream and disability cricket.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas noted that “the team’s relentless spirit, discipline and passion have set a new benchmark.”
Secretary Jay Shah emphasised that this win would inspire the BCCI to support more structured pathways and developmental programmes for visually impaired cricketers.
Triumph Rooted in Skill, Strategy and Sheer Determination
The Indian team dominated the tournament with clinical performances, tactical clarity and unmatched resilience.
Their journey showcased:
- Sharp running between the wickets
- Highly coordinated fielding built on communication cues
- Adapted bowling variations mastered through rigorous practice
- Team chemistry that mirrored years of perseverance against social and physical odds
The victory stands not only as a sporting achievement but as a symbol of empowerment and inclusion.
A Victory Beyond Boundaries
This World Cup triumph is more than a trophy — it is:
- a reminder that talent flourishes when opportunities exist
- a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to accessible sports
- an inspiration for every young athlete who dreams beyond limitations
Parents, disability-rights organisations, and sports academies have called the team “role models for a new India where sports belongs to everyone.”
Crosshead: Paving the Way for a New Era in Blind Cricket
Experts say this win could accelerate:
- dedicated training academies for visually impaired women
- state-level leagues
- enhanced central funding
- partnerships with corporate and philanthropic foundations
- talent identification at school and university levels
The spotlight now falls on sustaining this momentum through long-term policy and financial support.
Celebrating India’s New Champions
As the champions return home to a rousing welcome, their message resonates across the nation: courage creates its own vision.
Their triumph is a reminder that Indian sport is at its best when it lifts every athlete, every community and every dream.
India celebrates these extraordinary women — pioneers, icons and true ambassadors of an inclusive sporting future.
