Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, Feb 8: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence deemed to be university, honoured the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team on Saturday for their remarkable and historic victory at the Women’s T20 World Cup. The special felicitation ceremony celebrated the team’s resilience, discipline and commitment to excellence, while highlighting the growing role of blind cricket as a powerful platform for empowerment and national pride.
Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, noted that sport has always been a unifying force in Indian society, with cricket holding a special place in the nation’s culture. He said the success of blind cricket in India is the result of sustained efforts to provide structured training and competitive opportunities, enabling athletes with visual impairment to excel at national and international levels and challenge traditional perceptions of disability.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE, said the achievement was a tribute to the exceptional sportsmanship, resilience and determination displayed by the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team. He observed that their journey demonstrates that sporting excellence is defined not by limitations but by ability, opportunity and inclusion. Through discipline, teamwork and unwavering commitment, the athletes have not only achieved success on the field but have also emerged as role models, inspiring confidence and pride among persons with visual impairment and the wider community.
Trustee Vasanti R Pai, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, pro vice chancellor (technology and science), Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences), Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer, along with heads of constituent institutes of MAHE, Manipal, felicitated the team.
A key highlight of the event was the release of the Braille-enabled BOBCARD by Bank of Baroda (credit card division), marking a significant step towards inclusive and accessible banking for persons with visual impairment. The card was officially released by Ravindra Rai M, managing director and CEO of BOBCARD and chief general manager of Bank of Baroda, along with Dr H S Ballal. The initiative reflects a shared commitment of the banking sector and academic institutions to advancing financial inclusion and independence for persons with disabilities.
The felicitation ceremony was organised in collaboration with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), organisations that have played a vital role in promoting blind cricket through coaching support, structured training and competitive exposure across the country. The event was graced by Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, founder and managing trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, and Rayan, a nationally and internationally recognised social entrepreneur known for his work in inclusive education, livelihoods and sports for persons with disabilities.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr G Arun Maiya, dean, Manipal College of Health Professions, and the vote of thanks was given by Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, MAHE.
The event underscored MAHE’s commitment to social responsibility, inclusion and community engagement, with continued support for initiatives promoting equity, accessibility and empowerment of persons with disabilities across education, healthcare, sports and community development.