India's Blind Women Win Historic Inaugural T20 World Cup, Defeating Nepal in Colombo

India's blind women cricketers have made history by winning the first-ever Blind T20 World Cup, a milestone for disability sports in the country.

The final in Colombo saw India beat Nepal by seven wickets, capping a tournament that showcased skill, teamwork, and resilience across six nations.

Event backdrop and format

The six-team event featured India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the United States, played in a round-robin format before the final. In blind cricket, a plastic ball with jingling metal bearings travels along the ground, and players are classified as B1 (fully blind), B2, or B3. Teams must field a mix of all three categories. B1 batters use runners for safety, and each run scores as two.

In the final, India restricted Nepal to 114 for five after choosing to field first, then chased the target in 12 overs, losing three wickets in the process to win by seven wickets.

"This victory will inspire many women and many other persons with disabilities across India to pursue cricket and other sports," said Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India.

The squad features players who have overcome significant challenges, with many hailing from villages, farming families, or small-town hostels and taking up the sport only in recent years.

Celebrations and impact

The team enjoyed a grand welcome in Chennai on Monday, with another reception planned at Bengaluru airport later in the day, according to officials.

Political leaders and cricket figures joined the celebrations, underscoring the broader impact on Indian sport and disability inclusion.

The World Cup began on 11 November in Delhi, then moved to Karnataka and finally to Sri Lanka, highlighting a compact schedule that emphasized skill development and competition at multiple venues.

As the team basks in its victory, officials say the focus will now be on expanding access and opportunities for para-sport athletes across the country.

Expert commentary

Dr. Asha Menon, sports inclusion expert notes that the win demonstrates the potential of accessible training programs and community support to unlock top-level performance in para-sports.

Summary

The historic triumph signals a turning point for disability inclusion in Indian sport and the strength of grassroots pathways. It also showcases the growing talent pool in blind cricket and the ongoing work to provide pathways to international competition. With continued investment and visibility, more athletes from diverse backgrounds can aspire to represent India on big stages.

Key Takeaways

• India wins the inaugural Blind T20 World Cup in Colombo.
• The tournament featured six nations in a round-robin format with a final.
• The victory boosts visibility for disability sports and inspires more participants across India.

India's triumph underscores the power of inclusive sport and the talent of para-cricketers, opening doors for many aspiring athletes. BBC News

Discover the latest news and current events in World News as of 24-11-2025. The article titled " India's Blind Women Win Historic Inaugural T20 World Cup, Defeating Nepal in Colombo " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the World News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.

The information in " India's Blind Women Win Historic Inaugural T20 World Cup, Defeating Nepal in Colombo " helps you make better-informed decisions within the World News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.