New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The 20-year-old Phula Saren hailing from Odisha’s Balasore district, who earned the title of Player of the Match in the final of the Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup held in Colombo, faced a harsh reality upon her return home after India’s momentous title victory.

The victorious team received a hero's welcome upon their return to India, and the Government of Odisha awarded each player from the state Rs 11 lakh following their remarkable achievement.

However, Phula disclosed that upon her return, she was confronted with an eviction notice, prompting her to implore the government for a modest home for herself and her family. The world champion is deeply troubled about her parents’ plight, who are currently living in a temporary hut on government land in Salabanei village, facing the constant threat of eviction.

"When I returned with the World Cup, our District Collector expressed his pride. But now we have received an eviction notice. Where will we go?” Phula told IANS. "If they evict us, I cannot study, I cannot practice, I cannot play. I will lose everything. I represented India… I made my country proud. But now I am uncertain about where my family will reside,” she said, holding back tears.

Phula’s parents work as daily wage labourers, and the family lacks any land of their own. “We reside on government land — a small shed my father constructed. My mother assists in a local lab, and my brothers also work as labourers. There is no stable income,” she added.

“My father was unable to support my education or my sports. There were numerous occasions when I contemplated giving up. I was the only girl from my district to finish higher studies… people in my village said, ‘She is blind, what can she achieve?’

“All I desire is a small house for my family. I do not want extravagant gifts. I do not crave fame. I simply want a small plot of land where my family can build a home. If we are displaced, where will we go? How will I pursue my studies or cricket?”

She mentioned that some officials had promised assistance, but nothing came to fruition. "They claimed they would help me… set up training facilities… provide us land. But nothing materialized. Everyone seeks recognition when I win. Yet, when I need support, no one is around,” she reiterated.

Phula continued, "I battled poverty and disability. I overcame every obstacle to represent India. But now I am fearful — not of cricket opponents, but of losing my home. The government was proud of my victory. Now I appeal to the same government… please do not take our home. Provide us with a small piece of land to live on. That is all I request.”

Phula reminisced about the moments following India’s extraordinary victory against Nepal in Colombo. "Winning the World Cup felt like touching the sky. My dream was to meet PM Modi… just two days after our victory, he reached out to us. When he shook my hand, he expressed his pride in us. I will cherish that day forever," she concluded.