In November 2025, India’s women made history by winning the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind. As the final ball was bowled and India defeated Nepal, one man stood in the stands with tears in his eyes — Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, the force behind blind cricket in India.
“The girls cried happy tears… and so did I,” he shared, calling the victory a powerful message for women’s cricket and for every girl told what she cannot do. Many of these champions come from humble rural homes, where stepping out to chase a dream used to feel impossible. Today, they stand tall as World Champions.
From a small village in Belagavi to global impact
Dr. Mahantesh was born in Neginhal village, Bailhongal taluk, Belagavi district. At just six months old, he lost his vision due to typhoid — but refused to let blindness define him.
In 1997, with two friends who believed in inclusion, he founded the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, transforming the lives of thousands through education, employment and sports. Today, over 700 people are employed across India through his initiatives — real lives changed, real opportunities created.
A former blind cricketer himself, he went on to establish the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI). Under his leadership, India’s blind cricket teams have won multiple World Cups and Asia Cups, and he is widely celebrated as the heart and soul of blind cricket in India. Even during the pandemic, he ensured financial support for blind cricketers nationwide.
A Victory That Changes Futures
India’s triumph in the Women’s Blind World Cup is more than a sports achievement —
it’s a victory for equality, courage, and possibilities.
It proves that when girls are given support, dignity and opportunity, they can rewrite history — regardless of disability.
“This win will inspire thousands of blind girls across India to dream big,” says Dr. Mahantesh — a leader driven by vision beyond sight.
A son of Belagavi who changed the world
From the soil of Belagavi district to the global stage, Dr. Mahantesh’s journey shows us that real power is the ability to uplift others.
Here’s to the champions who proved disability is not a barrier.
Here’s to the leader who showed the world what belief looks like.
Proud of Team India. Proud of Belagavi. Proud of Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar.