The Indian women’s cricket team, composed of visually-impaired athletes, has secured a historic gold medal in the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Games, solidifying their place in sports history. The team’s remarkable achievement was realized on August 26 as they outperformed Australia, emerging victorious by a resounding nine wickets.
Facing a 20-over innings, Australia found themselves restricted to a score of 114/8. The Indian team, undeterred by challenges, effortlessly chased down the revised target of 42 runs in just 3.3 overs. This victory marks a significant milestone for visually-impaired cricket, which was included for the first time in the annals of the International Blind Sports Federation World Games.
The debut of visually-impaired cricket at the International Blind Sports Federation World Games showcased India’s resilient defense and strategic prowess, evident from Australia’s restricted scoreline of 114/8 within the stipulated 20 overs.
“We are very happy to win this medal,” expressed the Indian skipper. Ganga H, who scored a century, shared her joy for the triumph, particularly highlighting the significance of the finals.
In a separate event, the Indian blind cricket team faced their Pakistani counterparts in the men’s T20 cricket event at the IBSA World Games 2023. In a decisive clash that took place on Saturday, August 26, Team India demonstrated a commendable effort, posting a challenging target of 184 runs for Pakistan to chase. However, despite their valiant attempt, the Indian squad fell short in their defensive performance, allowing Pakistan to secure a decisive eight-wicket victory and the coveted gold medal.
Reflecting on the outcome, Ajay Kumar Reddy, the Indian skipper, acknowledged the team’s determination to learn from their experiences and come back stronger in future series. John David, coach of the Indian men’s team, shed light on the challenges faced by the team, citing the “lack of facilities” as a hindrance.
David emphasized the team’s talent and potential while discussing the hurdles they face in terms of sponsorships, grounds, and resources. Despite the obstacles, he hailed the achievement as a significant moment for the team and extended gratitude to the ECB for their support.
The Indian women’s cricket team’s gold medal victory serves as an inspiration and testament to their dedication, skill, and determination in the realm of visually-impaired sports.