Sports Minister Sonowal Felicitates India's World Cup Winning Blind Team

Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday felicitated the victorious Indian blind cricket team here for winning their maiden ODI World Cricket Cup for the Blind held recently in South Africa.

India beat Pakistan in the finals to bring the trophy home.

Congratulating the visually impaired cricketers for their achievement, Sonowal said, "I begin by congratulating the team, which has done us all proud by winning the fourth ODI World Cup cricket for the Blind. You have shown how with determination and hard work, you can be world-beaters, overcoming all odds. With your historic win, you have inspired the entire nation. I feel proud that our differently-abled sportspersons are not lagging behind other athletes in bringing glory to the country."

"I have personally experienced how difficult it is to play this form of cricket. India has taken the lead to promote sports especially cricket for the blind. As a token gesture, our Ministry is giving a small token of our appreciation for the tremendous feat in the World Cup by our young boys, who have made India proud," he said.

The Minister gave away cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh to each player for their stupendous performance in the tournament.

"Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is a sports lover and has been taking keen interest in the promotion and development of sports in the country. Under his leadership, important initiatives were taken in this year's budget for nurturing of sports talent and for making sports a potent tool of peace and development," the Minister added.

Sonowal also appreciated and thanked Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar for his inspiration and encouragement shown towards these cricketers.