Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team feted for World Cup victory

Manipal: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) honoured the Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team Saturday for their remarkable and historic victory at the Women's T20 World Cup. HS Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE, said sport had always been a unifying force in Indian society, with cricket holding a special place in the nation's culture.Lt Gen MD Venkatesh, vice-chancellor, MAHE, said, "This is an honour to the exceptional sportsmanship, resilience, and determination displayed by the Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team. Their journey powerfully demonstrates that sporting excellence is defined not by limitations, but by ability, opportunity, and inclusion."Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust; Narayana Sabhahit, pro- vice-chancellor (technology & science); Sharath K Rao, pro-vice-chancellor (health sciences); P Giridhar Kini, registrar; Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer; and heads of constituent institutes of MAHE attended the event.A key highlight was the release of the Braille-enabled BOBCARD by Bank of Baroda (credit card division), described as a significant step towards inclusive and accessible banking for people with visual impairment. The card was officially released by Ravindra Rai M, managing director & CEO of BOBCARD; the chief general manager of Bank of Baroda; and HS Ballal.The ceremony was organised in collaboration with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). The event was attended by Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, founder and managing trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, and Rayan, an internationally recognised social entrepreneur known for pioneering work in inclusive education, livelihoods, and sports for persons with disabilities.