NTT DATA Launches Coaching Camp for Visually Impaired Cricketers

In a landmark move for inclusive sports, India has initiated a comprehensive national coaching camp to empower its top visually impaired women cricketers. This intensive 12-day program, launched in Bengaluru, is the critical final preparation stage for the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind, set to make history this November. The camp represents a monumental step forward for gender equality and disability inclusion in international athletics.

How Are Blind Cricket Athletes Preparing for a World Cup?

The preparation for a global tournament of this magnitude requires a holistic and specialized approach. The camp, organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, is designed to hone both athletic prowess and personal development. Fifty-six elite athletes, meticulously selected from 16 states based on their performance at the national tournament, are undergoing rigorous training. They have been divided into four squads—India Red, Blue, Yellow, and Orange—to foster competitive excellence.

Beyond the cricket pitch, the curriculum is expansive. The players are receiving advanced skill development tailored to blind cricket, which uses an audible ball and features three player classifications based on visual acuity. Furthermore, the program integrates essential life skills, financial literacy workshops, and digital literacy sessions to ensure the athletes are well-rounded individuals. In a significant show of support, all participants will receive a three-month stipend to aid their dedicated preparation and higher education goals, removing financial barriers to their success.

A Collaborative Drive Towards Sporting History

This pioneering initiative is powered by support from NTT DATA, a global digital business and technology services leader, through its Corporate Social Responsibility program. This partnership underscores a growing corporate commitment to fostering diversity and creating equal opportunities in sports. The collaboration provides the necessary resources for these athletes to compete at the highest level, showcasing how technology and business can be powerful allies for social good.

The selection process is ongoing and highly competitive. A dedicated committee will evaluate the athletes’ performance throughout the camp to identify the final 17-member squad that will carry the nation’s hopes at the World Cup. The tournament itself is scheduled to be played across three venues in New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Bengaluru, promising a truly international spectacle.

The camp is far more than a training regimen; it is a powerful statement on resilience, talent, and the breaking of barriers. By investing in these 56 women, India is not just building a cricket team but is championing a movement that redefines what is possible. The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind will be a celebration of sheer human spirit, and the world will be watching.

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Must Know

What is the Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind?
The Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind is the first-ever international blind cricket tournament exclusively for women. Scheduled for November 2025, it will feature teams from various nations competing across venues in India and Nepal, marking a historic moment for the sport and for athletes with visual impairments.

How does blind cricket work?
Blind cricket is played with a ball filled with ball bearings that make sound when rolled or thrown. Teams comprise players from three sight classifications: completely blind (B1), partially blind (B2), and partially sighted (B3). Specific rules, like underarm bowling and audible cues, ensure the game is accessible and competitive for all athletes.

Who is organizing the Indian team’s camp?
The coaching camp is a joint initiative by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. It is supported through funding and resources from NTT DATA under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program.

Where will the World Cup matches be held?
The inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind is planned to be hosted across three cities: New Delhi, India; Kathmandu, Nepal; and Bengaluru, India. This multi-location approach aims to broaden the reach and impact of the event.