History was made under the bright lights of Colombo as the Indian women’s blind cricket team clinched the inaugural Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind, sending waves of pride and inspiration rippling across the nation. For 20-year-old Anekha Devi, hailing from the remote Machhedi (Bajohi) village in Kathua district, this moment was the culmination of grit, sacrifice, and a dream that once seemed impossible. On December 3, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister personally felicitated Devi for her outstanding contribution to the team’s success, calling her achievement "a matter of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and the nation."
But the story of this World Cup is far bigger than a trophy or a single player. It’s about a group of women who defied the odds, shattered stereotypes, and showed the world that disability is no barrier to sporting excellence. Their journey, as recounted by coach Chandu Venkateshappa, is a testament to relentless effort and the power of belief. "I would like every Indian to try and put themselves in the players’ shoes and try and understand how much effort the players have put in to reach this far," Chandu urged, asking the nation to look beyond applause and truly appreciate the sacrifices behind the scenes.
Preparation for the World Cup was no walk in the park. The squad, made up of 16 determined women, trained from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., six days a week, for an entire month. Every morning, they left their homes at 6:30, fueled by the hope that this tournament could shift perceptions and open doors for visually impaired athletes everywhere. Their dedication was matched by the unwavering support of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), led by chairman Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, and Samarthanam, an NGO dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities. These organizations provided structured coaching, tournament access, and, perhaps most importantly, the confidence that their dreams were worth chasing.
India’s campaign roared to life with a statement victory over Sri Lanka. The bowlers, disciplined and precise, restricted Sri Lanka to a meager 48 runs. The chase? Over in less than three overs, with the Indian openers cruising to the target without losing a single wicket. That game set the tone for the rest of the tournament, as the squad carried a sense of invincibility that would not be shaken.
The next challenge was Australia—a side with plenty of pedigree. India set a daunting target of 293, and the Australians simply couldn’t keep up, falling 57 runs short. Then came the much-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan. India, brimming with confidence, chased down 136 runs in just 10.2 overs, a performance that left fans and critics alike in awe. The semi-final saw a rematch with Australia, and once again, India dominated, winning by nine wickets to secure their spot in the final.
The grand finale at Colombo’s historic P Sara Oval was a fitting stage for this trailblazing team. India won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Nepal’s batters found themselves tied down by tight bowling and sharp fielding, managing only 114 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The Indian bowlers kept boundaries to a minimum, applying constant pressure and never letting Nepal settle. The chase was clinical. India’s top order played with intent, rotating the strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries. The target was reached in just 12.1 overs for the loss of three wickets, sealing a seven-wicket victory and the championship title.
Anekha Devi’s journey from the daughter of a daily wager in a remote village to a world champion is emblematic of the team’s broader story. On her return, she was given a hero’s welcome, with organizations like the Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) leading the celebrations. Her success is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for countless young girls across India, especially those from marginalized or rural backgrounds.
Coach Chandu Venkateshappa’s reflections after the win highlight the deeper significance of this victory. "These players did not just turn up at a World Cup and win; they fought through years of limited opportunities and social doubt simply to stay connected to the sport they loved," she said. The message is clear: the nation must recognize the extraordinary effort and resilience it takes for women with disabilities to reach the pinnacle of sport.
Much credit is due to the infrastructure and support provided by CABI and Samarthanam. By identifying raw talent and nurturing it through structured programs, they have created a pathway for visually impaired women to not just compete but excel on the world stage. The partnership has transformed young women from humble backgrounds into world champions, and their work is far from done.
The impact of this World Cup win is already being felt across India. Social media is buzzing with messages of congratulations, and more fans are beginning to follow the journeys of these remarkable athletes. Coach Chandu hopes this newfound recognition will translate into lasting respect and support. She wants these women to be included in conversations about India’s sporting greats, proving once and for all that disability is no barrier to mastery.
It’s not just about the medals or the headlines. It’s about changing perceptions and opening doors for the next generation. The hope is that, as more Indians learn about the sacrifices and achievements of these athletes, the support system for visually impaired sports will grow stronger. The players’ relentless pursuit of excellence has already inspired many, and their legacy is just beginning.
As the celebrations continue and the spotlight shines on Anekha Devi and her teammates, one thing is certain: this victory is more than a sporting achievement. It’s a powerful reminder that with the right support, opportunity, and belief, there are no limits to what can be accomplished. The Indian women’s blind cricket team has not only lifted a trophy—they’ve lifted the spirits of a nation and paved the way for a more inclusive future in sports.
With the dust settling in Colombo and the echoes of their triumph still ringing, the team now stands as a symbol of hope and possibility. Their journey has only just begun, and if the World Cup is any indication, the future of women’s blind cricket in India is brighter than ever.
