Pangi Karuna Kumari Shines As India Wins Inaugural Women’s Blind T20 World Cup

Pangi Karuna Kumari , a Class 10 student from the Government Residential School for Visually Impaired Girls in Visakhapatnam, has earned the spotlight as one of India’s brightest young talents in blind cricket.

The Indian Women’s Blind cricket team won the inaugural

The T20 world cup defeated Nepal in a comprehensive performance and the shining star of the final match was Pangi Karuna Kumari. Her outstanding performance in Colombo on Sunday etched her name in the history books to ensure a historic achievement for the country’s visually impaired sports community.

Karuna played a match-defining knock of 42 crucial runs, showcasing exceptional composure throughout the Indian run chase. Competing in the B1 category, which includes players who are fully blind, Karuna’s accomplishment stands out as an inspiring example of determination and skill in India Blind Cricket . Her coach, Ajay Reddy, described her as a naturally gifted batter with a remarkable sweep shot, a shot that consistently put pressure on opposition bowlers.

For context, Blind cricket relies on an ‘Auditory cricket ball’, specially designed using plastic material that produces sound. This allows visually impaired players to track the ball’s direction through hearing. Ajay Reddy explained that blind cricket teams are organised into three categories. The B1 category includes four players who are completely blind, B2 consists of partially blind players with vision up to two metres, and B3 comprises players who can perceive up to six metres. This structured format ensures inclusivity while maintaining competitive balance.

Karuna’s rise in the world of blind women’s cricket has also motivated the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) and the Cricket Association for the Blind, Andhra Pradesh (CAB-AP) to initiate expanded support for the sport, aiming to develop more and more participation and inculcate a culture where the visually impaired sports community get a major platform.

Karuna’s journey has been extremely inspiring but far from easy. Karuna discontinued schooling after completing Grade 7 due to worsening vision. But in 2023, destiny brought a turning point. During an admission camp, staff from the Government Residential School for Visually Impaired Girls learned about her situation and reached out to her family. By then fully blind, Karuna agreed to return to school on August 2, 2023. Once back, she quickly demonstrated remarkable athletic ability, particularly in running and blind cricket, making her a standout student.

Her talent earned her a place in the Indian national women’s blind cricket team in Hyderabad in December 2023. She played her debut national tournament in Hooghly in January 2024, followed by another national appearance in Cochin in January 2025. Her consistent performance secured her participation in the Infinity Series held in Cochin in February, March 2025. In August 2025, Karuna attended the final selection camp in Bengaluru for the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup, ultimately earning her spot in the Indian squad.

Today, her contribution has earned the country a remarkable achievement and with that her name is etched in history. With remarkable focus, talent, grit and sporting excellence, Pangi Karuna Kumari has not only helped India clinch the Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind but also become a symbol of hope and empowerment for visually impaired athletes across the nation.