Blind women’s cricket team tops honours at Zee Samvad 2026

MUMBAI: India’s blind women’s cricket team emerged as the standout honouree at the fourth edition of the Zee Samvad with Real Heroes 2026, held on 6 February at the Fairmont in Mumbai.

Organised by Zee Media Corporation Limited, the event sought to recognise sporting excellence rooted in resilience rather than medals alone. The blind women’s team was honoured for its contribution to grassroots sport and its role in pushing inclusion into corners of Indian athletics that often go unnoticed.

The recognition was presented by yoga guru and social reformer Baba Ramdev, who acknowledged the team’s perseverance and growing influence in advancing inclusive sport. The honour underlined how women-led initiatives from outside India’s sporting mainstream are quietly reshaping participation and confidence at the community level.

Team members honoured included Simu Das, Anu Kumari, Jamuna Rani Tudu, Anekha Devi, Basanti Hansdah, Simranjeet Kour, Sunita Sarathe, Parbati Marndi, Deepika T C, Phula Soren, Ganga S Kadam, Kavya N R, Sushma Patel, Durga Yevle and Shika Shetty. Several players spoke about navigating disability, limited resources and social constraints and how cricket became a route to independence, discipline and collective strength.

The evening also widened its lens beyond the pitch. Mountaineer Saanvi Sood was recognised for her endurance-led achievements, symbolising India’s growing appetite for adventure sport. Judoka Yogita Mandavi was honoured for her consistency and competitive excellence, reflecting the grind behind elite-level performance.