Nearly twelve months after securing a landmark victory in the inaugural Women’s
Captain Deepika T.C., who led the team to the title, remains among those waiting for a house site. The players, who hail from diverse backgrounds across the country, have expressed frustration over the difficulty of navigating bureaucratic processes to secure these benefits. Beyond housing and employment, the athletes highlighted a significant lack of access to local playgrounds and professional fitness guidance, noting that the high cost of training in major cities remains a barrier to their continued development.
Challenges in securing long-term support
For many of the players, the transition from sporting success to financial stability has been difficult. Deepika, who hails from the Sri Sathya Sai district, noted that the nature of their partial vision makes it challenging to visit government offices repeatedly to follow up on pending applications. She emphasized that the government should take a proactive role in fulfilling its commitments to help instill confidence in the athletes. Her journey to the national team involved overcoming significant financial hardships and the concerns of her parents, who supported her training in Bengaluru despite the challenges posed by her vision impairment.
Other squad members, including Pangi Karuna Kumari, have echoed these concerns, expressing a hope that government-provided jobs would allow them to support their families. The team, whose members range in age from 16 to 28, largely originates from rural areas. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India continues to scout talent from across the country, but the organization faces ongoing struggles to secure the necessary funding for coaching, nutrition, and travel.
Corporate assistance and future outlook
In the absence of consistent government backing, some private support has emerged. During a recent event in Vizianagaram on October 4, 2026, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) provided ₹50,000 to each player as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative. Team manager and coach Shikha Shetty noted that this contribution is vital for boosting the morale of the squad as they prepare for their upcoming series against Nepal, scheduled to take place in New Delhi this December.
While the team continues to represent the nation with distinction, the call for dedicated, long-term support remains a priority. During the recent ceremony, local stakeholders and trust representatives urged government officials to ensure that the players receive the resources they need to sustain their careers and improve their quality of life. For now, the players continue to balance their sporting ambitions with the daily reality of waiting for the official recognition they were promised following their World Cup triumph.
