How Did the Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired in Odisha Honor Four Players Selected for the Women’s T20 WC for Blind?
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Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired (CAVI), Odisha, hosted a special ceremony to celebrate four tribal girls from the state who have been selected to represent India in the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind, taking place from November 11–25 in India and Sri Lanka.
The honored players — Phula Saren, Basanti Hansda, Jamuna Rani Tudu, and Parbati Marandi — make up 25% of the national team, highlighting a moment of pride for Odisha and a groundbreaking achievement for women’s blind cricket.
Phula Saren, team captain, is a skilled all-rounder and a gold medalist at the 2023 IBSA World Games, having represented India at various international competitions. Renowned for her consistent performance with bat and ball, Phula has become a dependable leader for the women’s visually impaired cricket team.
She remarked, “I am filled with pride to represent India and will strive to secure the World Cup.”
Basanti Hansda, the vice-captain and also a gold medalist, is recognized for her outstanding all-round capabilities and quick fielding. She stated, “I am grateful to CAVI Odisha for their support; I am determined to contribute to India’s World Cup victory.”
The ceremony celebrated the players’ extraordinary accomplishments and their inspiring journey from Odisha’s tribal regions to the global stage.
With Jamuna’s pace bowling and Parbati’s quick reflexes as a wicketkeeper, these young athletes embody determination, talent, and the growing prominence of women’s blind cricket in India.
Earlier this month, the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) unveiled the squad for this significant event, and preparations are in full swing for the Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind.
In addition, the CABI has commenced preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Recently, CABI Chairman Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar met with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss details of this major event.