Sports are a gift, and sometimes people’s stories take more power from the athletes who rise to the occasion that they would never dream of. One inspirational person is Deepika T C, the captain of India's women's blind cricket team. And that journey goes beyond winning at home, to breaking barriers to opportunities and the world witnessing that determination prevails.
Deepika grew up with visual impairment. But her affection for cricket outweighed any handicaps she had. From the time she was young she began playing sport, with sound based balls and teamwork being key lessons for her. It is something she could quickly put her heart into if given the chance: To prove that blind women can perform at the highest level and leave a lasting impact on a country's welfare.
Deepika won the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind which was played in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2024. The Indian team won undefeated and overcame Nepal in the final. It was monumental in not just the fact that it was the first event, but also recognition for blind women athletes who had long been ignored. Deepika was very much a leader, calm under pressure and an inspiration to her team who were crucial for the success.
Deepika T C – Overcoming Struggles to Lead India’s Blind Women’s Cricket Team
Her accomplishments and achievements have been more than cricket. Deepika won the “We The Women” Award by journalist Barkha Dutt to celebrate her story as a pioneering woman with the help of the power of stories and the breaking of stereotypes. She has become an example to young girls with disabilities that sports can be a means of creating confidence, independence and country identity.
Deepika’s own journey is one of advocacy, too. She talks about the need for improved facilities, increased support and equal chances for blind athletes. There’s something about her that makes people more courageous to challenge this as an inclusivity movement and, in turn, to help Indian sports. She is telling her tale, one of those words that challenges us to think beyond disabilities, and about what we can do.
Deepika T C Deepika T C is not just a cricket captain; she is a model of courage, resilience and hope. She paved the way for others by winning the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, she’s shown that with ambition, no dream is too far. India’s triumph with her as captain is more than sporting prowess - it is a moment in the history of India on a path for diversity and respect among athletes with disabilities.
