Andhra teen selected for India’s blind T20 world cup team

In a story of remarkable talent and perseverance, Pangi Karuna Kumari, a 15-year-old from a remote tribal village in the Eastern Ghats of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, has earned a coveted place in the Indian squad for the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind. This selection marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first girl from Andhra Pradesh to represent the country in this tournament.

A Class 10 student at the Government Residential School for Visually Challenged Girls in Visakhapatnam, Karuna has been chosen in the B1 category. This is the highest-level disability classification, reserved for players who are completely blind. Playing without sight, Karuna relies entirely on her acute sense of hearing judging the position of the ball from its sound—to bat, field, and play the game with incredible skill and precision.

The upcoming tournament, organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), will be held in New Delhi and Bengaluru from November 11 to 25. Host India will face six other nations, including Australia, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the United States, in a series of 21 league matches, two semi-finals, and a final.

Karuna’s selection has brought immense pride to her family and school. Her father, Rambabu, expressed his joy, saying, "We as a family are very happy about her selection. It is a great thing that her talent has been recognized on a national stage." Her school principal, Vijaya, also celebrated the news, highlighting Karuna’s active participation and enthusiasm for sports. "We were informed that another training session is scheduled for next month, and we are prepared to extend all possible support to Karuna. She is also performing well in her academics," the principal added.

The young cricketer is also receiving support from outside her immediate circle. Supreme Court advocates Chinna Sarath Babu and G. Ravindra Babu have promised to provide assistance to enable her participation, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder her path.

Ajay Kumar Reddy, a former India blind cricket captain and current coach, described her selection as a landmark achievement. “For the first time, a girl from Andhra Pradesh is representing India in this World Cup. It is a historic moment," he said, underscoring her talent and the significance of her journey from a remote village to the national team. Karuna’s success is a powerful testament to the fact that talent can emerge from any corner with the right support and encouragement.