In a heartwarming ceremony in Bhubaneswar on Monday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured four remarkable athletes who were instrumental in India's historic victory at the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind. The four Odia cricketers, hailed as state heroes, were each presented with a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh for their stellar performance on the global stage.
A Hero's Welcome and State Recognition
The champions—Phula Soren, Basanti Hansda, Jamuna Rani Tudu, and Parbati Marndi—received a rousing welcome at the city airport before meeting the Chief Minister. Hailing from the Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts, these players were key members of the Indian squad that clinched the world title just a week prior.
Chief Minister Majhi lauded their strong dedication and remarkable performance, emphasising that their sheer commitment and hard work have brought immense glory to both the nation and Odisha. He described the quartet as an inspiration for every Odia and encouraged them to continue their victorious journey with confidence.
The Call for Sustainable Support and Employment
The felicitation also highlighted the pressing need for long-term support for athletes from underprivileged backgrounds. Md Jafar Iqbal, President of the Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired (CAVI) in Odisha, appealed to the state government to provide employment to the players.
He pointed out the challenging economic circumstances of the athletes' families. While the parents of Basanti, Parbati, and Phula work as daily wage labourers, Jamuna's family is involved in agriculture. Only Jamuna has secured a position as a junior assistant in the education department under a sports recruitment scheme; the other three remain without formal jobs.
"We are hopeful that the government will do the needful for them as it has been doing for other sportspersons from disadvantaged backgrounds. It will reduce their financial stress and help them focus more on the game," Iqbal stated.
From Local Grounds to Global Glory
The journey of these four cricketers is a testament to talent spotting and dedicated training. Their cricket potential was first identified by the headmasters of their schools, and their skills were nurtured by CAVI-Odisha. While Parbati Marndi began her international career in 2022, the other three—Phula Soren, Basanti Hansda, and Jamuna Tudu—have been representing India since 2019.
Their individual brilliance shone brightly during the World Cup. Phula Soren was adjudged Player of the Match in the final, and Basanti Hansda earned the same honour in the semi-final, underscoring their critical role in India's championship win.
The event was also attended by Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and the department's Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, marking a significant moment of state recognition for para sports.
