In a landmark move for inclusive sports, the Assam Cabinet on December 18 approved the appointment of Simu Das, a key all-rounder from India’s victorious Women’s T20 Blind World Cup team, as a physical instructor under the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision, celebrating Das’s pivotal role in India’s dominant 7-wicket victory over Nepal in the inaugural tournament final on November 23, 2025, at Colombo’s P Sara Oval.
The tournament, hosted by India and Sri Lanka from November 11 to 23, marked a historic milestone for blind women’s cricket. Skipper Deepika TC led India to glory against Nepal’s Binita Pun-captained side, capping a campaign that showcased raw talent and unyielding spirit. Das, hailing from Assam’s Nagaon district and competing in the B1 category, shone brightest in the final, scoring a match-defining 86 runs and snaring a crucial wicket to earn Player of the Match honours. Earlier, Assam had sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for her triumph, signaling growing state support for blind cricket pioneers.
Das’s path to this global stage embodies triumph over unimaginable odds. Born fully blind and raised amid severe financial hardship without stable housing, she shouldered family burdens, including caring for a brother with multiple disabilities. Yet, through dedicated training via the Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, she pursued education and honed her skills, securing her spot on the national squad.
The Indian team’s post-victory glow continued recently, as Deepika TC’s champions met cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at Mumbai’s MIG Cricket Club in Bandra on December 17, underscoring the bridging of worlds between mainstream and blind cricket.
This appointment transcends a single job; it’s a beacon for blind athletes, especially women, long sidelined from mainstream recognition. Stakeholders hail it as a precedent for sustained funding, institutional inclusion, and visibility, potentially inspiring other states to build robust support systems. As Das steps into her new role, her story fuels momentum in women’s blind cricket, proving resilience scores the biggest wins.
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