The Indian Blind Women's Cricket Team has made history by winning the T20 World Cup. This significant accomplishment was largely due to the efforts of two exceptional players from Telugu, team captain Deepika and Karuna Kumari, who faced numerous challenges to bring honor to their country.

Karuna Kumari, a member of Team India, has demonstrated that visual impairment does not hinder excellence. Despite facing financial struggles, she relentlessly pursued her cricket aspirations while attending the Government Residential School in Visakhapatnam, aided by the kindness of donors. Karuna originates from Vantla Mamidi village in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district.

Having nearly 80% visual impairment (B1 category) since childhood, Karuna faced academic challenges and ultimately had to leave school. However, upon discovering a specialized school in Visakhapatnam for children like her, she persuaded her parents to enroll her. There, she met her coach, Ravi Kumar, who encouraged her passion for cricket, assuring her that with the right training, she could excel in the sport. Although she often faced injuries during practice due to her reliance on sound to track the ball, her determination remained steadfast.

Through dedicated training, Karuna quickly honed her skills. She participated in various tournaments across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi, achieving remarkable success. Her outstanding performance during the World Cup selection trials in Bengaluru, where she scored 114 runs off 70 balls, secured her a spot on the Indian team. Despite financial hardships, she embraced the chance to represent India at the T20 World Cup, becoming a beacon of hope for many.

Upon her return, Karuna received a warm welcome at the Vijayawada International Airport from SAAP Chairman Animini Ravinaidu, Sports Authority MD Dharani, staff, and fellow athletes. The MD expressed that Karuna Kumari's success is a proud moment for the Telugu community and serves as an inspiration for many young individuals. He also mentioned that she is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on December 3. Dharani emphasized that Karuna's journey from a tribal background to representing the nation has inspired numerous young athletes from similar circumstances.

Karuna's parents and coach Ajay Kumar Reddy, who have been instrumental in her development, expressed immense pride in her achievements, noting that her relentless determination has brought her to this point. Her success transcends the cricket field, as she has become a role model for girls throughout Andhra Pradesh, particularly in rural regions. Coaches believe that families who once prioritized education as the sole path for girls are now recognizing sports as a viable career option. Her triumph has ignited enthusiasm among visually impaired athletes in the state, marking a proud moment as a Telugu girl represented Andhra Pradesh and contributed to India's championship in the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup.