The entire region of Jammu & Kashmir is swelling with pride as one of its own, the remarkable Anekha Devi, has been selected to represent the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team at the inaugural Women’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup. This historic achievement is a testament to her unwavering spirit, immense talent, and the power of determination to overcome all obstacles.
Anekha Devi, a Daughter of Jammu & Kashmir, to Represent India at the Women’s Blind Cricket World Cup
Her path to cricket stardom was an unconventional one. Anekha first made her mark as a talented judo player, winning multiple gold medals at the national level. It was her uncle and the General Secretary of the Cricket Association For The Blind In Jammu & Kashmir (CABJK), Mr. Ajay Kumar, who first recognized her potential in cricket. Due to the absence of a women’s blind cricket team in J&K, the association facilitated her move to Delhi, where she could continue her education and hone her cricketing skills with the Delhi Blind Women’s Cricket Team.
Anekha’s journey from the remote village of Machhedi (Bajohi) in Kathua district to the national stage is a truly inspiring tale. Hailing from a humble background—the daughter of a daily wager—she has defied the odds to not only pursue her dreams but to shine on a global platform. Her selection as the sole player from North India in the 16-member squad is a moment of immense significance for the entire Union Territory.
This pivotal decision allowed Anekha to take her passion for the sport to the next level. Her consistent and stellar performance in various tournaments and national events caught the attention of selectors, earning her a well-deserved place in the national team.
Speaking on her selection, Mr. Ajay Kumar expressed his immense pride. “Anekha is a talented girl who just needed a proper platform. Her achievement is a great moment for not just Jammu and Kashmir but the entire North India. We at CABJK are incredibly proud of her and are committed to creating more opportunities for visually impaired athletes in our region.”
Anekha’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, mentorship, and a strong will, anyone can achieve greatness. She is not just a cricketer but a symbol of hope and empowerment for countless visually impaired girls from rural and underserved areas.
The inaugural Women’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held from November 11 to 25, will see teams from seven nations, including India, Australia, England, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the USA, compete for glory. As Anekha prepares to take on the world stage, the entire Cricket Association For The Blind In Jammu & Kashmir and the people of J&K will be cheering her on.
We wish Anekha Devi and the Indian team the very best for the upcoming tournament and are confident that they will make the nation proud.
