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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 31

The Inaugural Women’s T-20 Blind Cricket

World Cup Elevates Global Sportsmanship:

A Historic Debut for the United States

OUR BUREAU extraordinary tableau of athletic art- States and the immense potential for and meticulous stewardship turned a
istry and emotional strength, affirm- talent development across American long-held aspiration into a global re-
New York, NY
ing the immense promise of inclusive communities. Ambassador Chung ality - one defined by inclusivity, em-
erhaps no story resonated sports on the world stage. graciously assured Dr. Mahantesh powerment, and athletic brilliance.
more profoundly than that In a finale resplendent with emo- that she would personally commu- Yet this tournament was not
Pof the USA Women’s Blind tion and electrifying performance, nicate with the appropriate U.S. au- merely a competition; it was a gath-
Cricket Team, making its maiden India emerged as the inaugural thorities to advance support for the ering of nations united by shared re-
appearance on the global cricketing champions, lifting the trophy with American team - an assurance that spect and profound admiration. Pa-
platform. Their journey to Colombo a composure and mastery befitting promises to open new avenues for kistan’s tenacity, Sri Lanka’s gracious
was not merely symbolic; it signaled their pioneering legacy in blind crick- growth, training, and representation. hosting, Nepal’s spirited performance,
a new horizon for adaptive sports in et. Their victory, however, symbol- Ms. Jayne Howell, Deputy Chief Australia’s technical refinement, and
America. Despite being newcomers, ized far more than national triumph of Mission, USA Embassy Colom- the USA’s inspiring debut together
the USA athletes competed with re- - it stood as a testament to the per- bo also joined HE Ms. Chung and formed a symphony of global cama-
markable poise, resilience, and an un- severance of every athlete who has congratulated Samarthanam Trust raderie - a reminder that sport, at its
mistakable hunger to grow—a prom- dared to dream beyond circumstance. for the disabled and Cricket associ- highest expression, unites rather than
ise that did not go unnoticed. In an exceptional gesture of sol- ation for the blind for organising the divides.
In a world too often constrained idarity and encouragement, Her Ex- World Cup so brilliantly and also of- For the USA team, this tourna-
by narrow definitions of athleticism, cellency Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambas- fered her unconditional support to ment marks the opening chapter of a
the first-ever Women’s T-20 Cricket sador to Sri Lanka, personally met USA team. bold new narrative - one that prom-
World Cup for the Blind has emerged with the American contingent. Her Equally deserving of admira- ises further development, expand-
as a brilliant testament to the human presence radiated warmth and gen- tion were the other participating ing opportunities, and deeper part-
spirit’s boundless resilience and uine admiration as she lauded the nations - Pakistan, Sri Lanka, USA, nerships. Their debut has captured
grace. Held in the heart of Colombo, courage, perseverance, and pioneer- Nepal, and Australia - each fielding hearts, earned respect, and laid the
Sri Lanka, this historic tournament ing spirit of the players. Ambassador teams that played with indomitable groundwork for a flourishing future
not only celebrated sporting excel- Chung offered a heartfelt reception spirit and unwavering resolve. From in international blind cricket.
lence, but also illuminated pathways and engaged deeply with the team fierce bowling spells to breath taking And for all participating nations,
of opportunity for blind and visually members, underscoring the profound batting displays, these athletes com- the world stands applauding - cele-
impaired athletes around the world. significance of their participation. manded the cricketing field with a brating athletes who have not merely
From its inception, the champi- During her visit, the Ambas- level of excellence that would inspire played a sport, but elevated it.
onship - conceptualized and shep- sador also met Dr. Mahantesh G. even the most seasoned professionals. In the glow of this remarkable
herded to fruition by the Cricket Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI The pioneering achievement of beginning, the Women’s T-20 Cricket
Association for the Blind in India and Founder and Managing Trustee hosting the world’s first Women’s World Cup for the Blind stands as a
(CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for of Samarthanam Trust for the Dis- Blind T-20 Cricket World Cup must be radiant affirmation of what humanity
the Disabled - was envisioned as a abled, in a conversation marked by credited in no small measure to CABI can achieve when talent is nurtured,
global platform where skill, courage, insight, mutual respect, and shared and to Samarthanam Trust for the Dis- opportunity is extended, and every in-
and aspiration could transcend the vision. Their dialogue explored the abled’s unwavering leadership in cham- dividual is given the space to shine - bril-
limits of sight. What unfolded was an future of blind cricket in the United pioning adaptive sports. Their vision liantly, defiantly, and without bounds.

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