New Delhi: The Indian Women’s Cricket Team for the Blind, fresh from their historic triumph at the 1st Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind, was honoured in a series of high-profile felicitations in New Delhi on 26 November 2025. The players were accompanied by Shri B. L. Santhosh, National General Secretary (Organisation), BJP.
Felicitation by Women & Child Development Minister
The day began with a visit to the BJP National IT Office, followed by a ceremonial reception led by Smt. Annapurna Devi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Women & Child Development. She congratulated the team for their extraordinary achievement and assured full support from the ministry to strengthen opportunities for women with visual impairments in sport.
Senior BJP leaders extend praise and support
Throughout the day, the team met several national leaders who individually felicitated them and applauded their landmark achievement. Those who interacted with the players included:
- Shri Arun Singh, National General Secretary
- Dr. Sambit Patra, MP & National Spokesperson
- Shri C. P. Joshi, Member of Parliament
- Shri Anil Baluni, MP (Uttarakhand) & National Media In-charge
- Shri Ramesh Bidhuri, Former MP, South Delhi
- Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Senior BJP Leader & Former Union Minister
- Shri Naresh Bansal, Treasurer, BJP
The leaders praised the team for elevating India’s prestige on the global stage and for setting new benchmarks in women’s blind cricket.
Team seeks continued support from states
Team Captain Deepika urged leaders to continue supporting players from their respective home states and expressed the team’s collective wish to meet the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. The leaders assured their support in strengthening training facilities, recognition, and state-level encouragement.
Warm interaction with Leader of the Opposition
In addition to the BJP felicitations, the team had a light-hearted and warm interaction with Shri Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, facilitated by Shri Adarsh Shastri. Shri Rahul Gandhi congratulated the players on their historic victory and pledged his support to strengthen the ecosystem for athletes with disabilities.
He also expressed his intention to help secure 200 acres of land for Samarthanam to develop a world-class inclusive cricket stadium and a global university dedicated to disability inclusion and empowerment.
A day of recognition and national pride
The day-long celebrations reflected India’s collective admiration for its women’s blind cricket champions, reaffirming the country’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and sporting excellence. The team’s journey and success continue to inspire millions across the nation.