On November 23, 16 blind women made history, winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka after defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final.

Four of these trailblazing athletes hail from Odisha – and their journeys capture the spirit of this victory. Many of them come from regions where even basic facilities are scarce, yet that never dampened their determination. Backed by their families and driven by sheer will and an unrelenting work ethic, they refused to let their disability stand between them and their dreams. Brushing aside taunts and low expectations, they’ve emerged as role models.

Speaking to Newslaundry, Basanti Hansda, a key member of the squad from Mayurbhanj in Odisha, said: “I can’t see with one eye. People have told us that girls like us can’t do anything. But we didn’t listen. If we had, we would have been left behind.”

Phula Soren, from Balasore in Odisha, smashed a blistering 44 runs off 27 balls to steer India to victory in the final. She told Newslaundry, “I hit a powerful shot and didn’t even realise it went for a boundary. Deepika Didi (Deepika TC, the captain) was so happy. Everyone dreamed that if we won the World Cup, some people’s lives would change.” The other two women from the state in the squad were Parvati Marandi and Jamuna Rani Tudu from Mayurbhanj. 

Listen to their amazing stories in this report.

Watch.

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