Bengaluru: The Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, felicitated three women cricketers from the state who were part of India’s historic triumph at the SBI 1st Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind, marking a proud moment for Karnataka and the nation.
The players honoured were Deepika T C, captain of the Indian women’s blind cricket team, along with Kavya V and Kavya N R. The felicitation recognised their exceptional contribution to India’s maiden World Cup victory in women’s blind cricket, an achievement that has significantly advanced visibility, dignity, and inclusion in disability sport.
Cash awards and words of encouragement
As a mark of appreciation and encouragement, the Governor presented a cash award of ₹51,000 each to the three cricketers. The gesture acknowledged their discipline, perseverance, and sporting excellence, and served as motivation for continued success at the national and international levels.
National recognition gathers momentum
The Governor’s felicitation follows a series of high-level recognitions received by the World Cup–winning Indian women’s team from the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Union Sports Minister, several Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha, as well as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Together, these honours underline the sporting and social significance of the team’s achievement.
Visionary leadership behind the World Cup
Also honoured on the occasion was Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founder and Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). His leadership has been instrumental in building a structured and sustainable ecosystem for blind cricket in India, with a special focus on women’s participation and leadership.
Under his stewardship, CABI successfully organised and hosted the SBI 1st Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind, bringing together six nations and setting a new benchmark for inclusive women’s sport at the global level.
Strengthening inclusive sport in Karnataka
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, a long-standing supporter of initiatives for persons with disabilities, reaffirmed the importance of inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity in sports and public life. The felicitation was seen as a strong affirmation of Karnataka’s contribution to India’s sporting excellence and its growing commitment to recognising athletes with visual impairment.
