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 2025. The ceremony, held at Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan, was filled with warmth and pride as the Chief Minister interacted with the players, coaches, and officials from the Blind Association, acknowledging a victory that has redefined the landscape of disability sport in India.
Applauding the historic success, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta commended the players for their grit, determination, and unwavering resolve, calling them a shining representation of strength and empowerment. “The daughters of our nation are very strong. I firmly believe they can hit the ball out of the park,” she said, highlighting how the team has broken barriers and inspired millions through their performance on the global stage.
The felicitation followed a landmark achievement in para-cricket as India lifted the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, organized under the guidance of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament featured six competing nations and was held from November 11 to 23, 2025, with the final played at the iconic P. Sara Oval in Colombo.
A landmark moment unfolded in Colombo as India outplayed Nepal in the final, opting to bowl first and executing their plans with near-perfect control, combining tight bowling and alert fielding to limit Nepal to 114 for five in their 20 overs and deny them to build momentum in any phase of the game.
The chase followed was a composed yet aggressive pursuit, as India chased the target smoothly, reaching the 115-run target in only 12.1 overs for a comfortable seven wicket win, with the top order showing poise, smart strike rotation, and control well beyond the intensity of a World Cup final.
Led by captain Deepika T. C. of Karnataka and vice-captain Ganga S. Kadam of Maharashtra, India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. The team’s campaign was defined by discipline, awareness, mental strength, and seamless teamwork despite the unique challenges posed by visual impairment. Deepika led from the front, producing consistent performances, including a sensational 91 off 58 balls against Australia, which stood out as one of the tournament’s finest innings.
Several players rose to the occasion during India’s title chase. Phula Saren led the chase in the final with an unbeaten 44 off 27 balls that resulted in her earning the Player of the Match award. Karuna Pangi Kumari, a Class 10 student from Visakhapatnam, showed maturity beyond her years with a composed 42 in the final, while Durga Yevle, born in 2003, inspired millions with her dedication and hardwork, coming from a modest background to wearing Indian jersey on the global stage shows resilience and persistence.
India’s dominance was evident throughout the competition, with comprehensive league stage victories over Sri Lanka, Australia, Nepal, the United States, and Pakistan, followed by a commanding nine wicket win over Australia in the semifinal. Each performance reinforced India’s growing stature in blind women’s cricket.
Beyond being called the champions, the World Cup triumph stands as a powerful statement for inclusion and empowerment in sport. The recognition by Delhi Chief Minister is just another genuine gesture to show the nation respect for the athletes. They have earned it with boldness and bravery. Their journey is a testament to courage over adversity and belief over limitation, proving that spirit is stronger than circumstance.
By setting an extraordinary example, these athletes are motivating the next generation while opening doors to increased recognition, stronger support, and wider opportunities for women’s and especially para-athletes in the future.
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