In a momentous landmark for Indian para-sports, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar felicitated Anu Kumari, a key member of the national blind women’s cricket team that clinched the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025.
The ceremony, which included a cheque of Rs 23,43,750 and a traditional shawl, underscored not only Anu Kumari’s pivotal bowling contributions but also Bihar’s rising profile as a launching pad for para-athletes. The event highlighted the triumph on the field, while also spotlighting the state’s enhanced sports infrastructure and unwavering government support that helped nurture Anu Kumari’s ascent from Mukundpur village in Buxar district to the world stage.
The grand final unfolded in Colombo at the P Sara Oval, where India, led by skipper Deepika TC, faced Nepal, captained by Binita Pun, in the first edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind held from 11th to 23rd November 2025. India emerged victorious, beating Nepal by seven wickets with 47 balls to spare. India’s path to the final included a semi-final win over Australia, captained by Courtney Webeck, by nine wickets at the same venue, while Nepal defeated Pakistan, led by Nimra Rafique, by seven wickets to reach the final.
In a defining moment of the final, Phula Saren’s unbeaten 44 off 27 balls steered India under pressure, earning her Player of the Match honours and sealing the championship with a confident late flourish. The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances: Susma Tamang was Player of the Tournament in the B1 Category; Mankeshi Chaudhary of Nepal was Player of the Series in B2; and Mehreen Ali of Pakistan topped the Player of the Tournament list in the B3 Category with 561 runs across six matches.
The felicitation by CM Nitish Kumar underlines a broader recognition: Bihar’s emergence as a nurturing ground for talent in disability cricket, backed by state-level investments in sports infrastructure and inclusive opportunities for athletes from underrepresented communities. Anu Kumari, who hails from Mukundpur village under Simri police station in Buxar district, embodies the accessible pathways created by the state association and government support.
Her father, Sohan Chaudhary, spoke of a lifelong ethic of hard work and discipline, crediting the Bihar Cricket Association for identifying her talent and providing the platform that led to national selection. He said, “Anu’s hard work and discipline since childhood paid off. The Bihar Cricket Association identified her talent and gave her the opportunity to play. She bowled exceptionally well in the World Cup and played a decisive role in India’s victory.”
Anu Kumari expressed sincere gratitude for the government’s encouragement and the improved facilities, “We are receiving encouragement and all possible assistance from the government. Sports infrastructure in Bihar has improved significantly, and players are benefiting from it. Bihar is now being praised across the country in the field of sports, which makes us proud.”
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, and a suite of senior secretaries and officials from the Chief Minister’s Office and the Sports Department, who underscored the state’s commitment to sport, including para-sports, as a vector for inclusive growth.
India’s dominant performance in Colombo showcased women’s blind cricket at a high level and set a benchmark for future editions. The Bihar government’s recognition of Anu Kumari reinforces a broader push to scout, train, and celebrate para-athletes across the country, to sustain momentum and inspire the next generation.
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