New Delhi: The nationwide celebration of India’s Women’s T20 World Cup Champions – Cricket for the Blind – continues to gather momentum, with state governments stepping forward to honour the extraordinary achievements of their players and reinforce the spirit of inclusive excellence in Indian sport.
State recognition for world champions
In a significant gesture, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, felicitated three players from the championship-winning Indian women’s team for the blind. The state announced a cash reward of ₹25 lakh for each player, comprising ₹10 lakh as a direct cheque and ₹15 lakh as a fixed deposit, ensuring both immediate recognition and long-term financial security.
The honoured players from Madhya Pradesh are Sunita Sarathe, Sushma Patel and Durga Yevle, all of whom played crucial roles in India’s historic World Cup triumph. Their journeys reflect exceptional determination and discipline, overcoming social and physical barriers to bring global recognition to the nation.
A step towards inclusive excellence
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founding Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), said the Madhya Pradesh government’s initiative sends a powerful message that disability empowerment is central to nation-building. He noted that when states recognise talent beyond limitations, they inspire future generations and strengthen the foundations of an inclusive India.
Growing national movement
As more states felicitate their players, the success of the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team is evolving into a national movement that goes beyond sport. It reinforces dignity, opportunity and equal recognition for persons with disabilities, while highlighting the transformative power of inclusive sports.
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and the Cricket Association for the Blind in India expressed their gratitude to the Government of Madhya Pradesh for honouring its champions and standing firmly with India’s cricketers with disabilities.