New Delhi: Reaffirming that nation-building is inseparable from inclusion and constitutional values, the Jindal Foundation and the Flag Foundation of India, under the leadership of Naveen Jindal and Shallu Jindal, hosted a Tiranga milestone celebration at Jindal House, New Delhi, with the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, champions of the 1st Women’s World Cup, Cricket for the Blind 2025, as special invitees.
Held in the run-up to Republic Day, the event provided a powerful national setting to celebrate sporting excellence, equality, and participation. Under the Tricolour—symbolising dignity, justice, and equal citizenship—the presence of women athletes with visual impairment reflected the living promise of the Indian Constitution, underscoring that every citizen belongs at the heart of the nation’s story.
Celebrating inclusion under the Tricolour
The Tiranga celebration was more than a ceremonial gathering. It became a statement on inclusive nationhood, where achievement was recognised without barriers. The participation of the world champion women’s blind cricket team highlighted how sport can serve as a platform for social transformation, challenging perceptions around disability and reinforcing equal opportunity.
The athletes, representing the Cricket Association of the Blind in India (CABI), were welcomed as symbols of resilience, discipline, and national pride. Their presence beneath the national flag sent a strong message that inclusion is not symbolic, but essential to India’s democratic ethos.
Naveen Jindal interacts with champions
A defining moment of the celebration was the interaction between Naveen Jindal, three-time Member of Parliament, Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, and President of the Flag Foundation of India, and the world champion athletes.
In a gesture that resonated deeply with the values of equality and encouragement, Shri Jindal bowled a delivery of blind cricket, engaging directly with the format of the game played by the champions. He then formally felicitated the team, acknowledging their historic achievement on the global stage.
As a mark of recognition and support, cheques of ₹60,000 were presented to each player and team official, amounting to a total of ₹12 lakh. The gesture was widely appreciated as a meaningful investment in the athletes’ journeys and future aspirations.
Moment of shared respect and pride
In return, Shri Jindal was presented with an autographed cricket bat and a blind cricket ball by Dr. Mahantesh, Founding Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of CABI. The exchange symbolised mutual respect and a shared commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through sport.
The moment stood out as a convergence of leadership, social responsibility, and sporting excellence, reinforcing the idea that recognition at the highest levels can inspire broader societal change.
Republic Day message through sport
As the nation prepares to celebrate Republic Day, the inclusion of India’s Women’s Blind Cricket World Champions at this iconic Tiranga event served as a powerful reminder that the Republic is strongest when its ideals are lived in practice. The celebration transformed a national moment into a shared national dream—where inclusion, opportunity, and dignity are not aspirations, but realities.
The event underscored that empowering women with disabilities is not only about honouring achievements, but also about reaffirming constitutional values in everyday action, ensuring that progress is shared and representative of all citizens.