Pawan Kalyan Presents ₹84 Lakh to Blind Women Cricketers, Sanctions ₹6.2 Crore Roads

Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh — Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday met the Indian blind women’s cricket team, winners of the inaugural Women’s Blind T20 World Cup, at Mangalagiri and announced financial rewards and infrastructure support in recognition of their historic achievement. Congratulating the team for their victory in Sri Lanka last month, Pawan Kalyan presented ₹84 lakh in financial assistance, distributing ₹5 lakh each to 17 players and ₹2 lakh to support staff members. In addition to the cash rewards, the players were also presented with sarees and shawls as a mark of respect. During the interaction, team captain Deepika highlighted the lack of road connectivity to her village, Tambalahatti, in Sri Sathya Sai district. Responding swiftly, Pawan Kalyan directed officials to approve road works worth ₹6.2 crore on the same day. The sanctioned projects include road construction from Hemavathi to Tambalahatti and a 5-kilometre stretch from Gunnehalli to Tambalahatti, significantly improving access to the remote village. Players shared personal stories during the meeting, including Simu Das from Assam, who said the financial assistance would help her build a home for her family. Team members also raised concerns about the lack of proper playing grounds, limited funding, and minimal institutional support for blind cricket in India. Assuring continued support, Pawan Kalyan said he would take up the issues faced by blind cricketers at the national level and work towards improving infrastructure and opportunities for differently-abled athletes. The event underscored the Andhra Pradesh government’s commitment to inclusive sports development and recognition of athletes who bring pride to the nation despite significant challenges.