Assam Cabinet appoints Simu Das, B1-category star of India’s victorious Women’s T20 Blind World Cup team, as physical instructor. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hails the move as recognition for underrepresented para-sports. (35 words)

On 18 December 2025, the Assam Cabinet decided to appoint Simu Das, a key member of the Indian team that won the inaugural Women’s T20 Blind World Cup, as a physical instructor under the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision, building on an earlier Rs 10 lakh sanction for the B1-category player. This institutional gesture addresses blind cricket’s historical lack of visibility, involving government stakeholders,

Das’s sporting achievement, and potential for wider para-sports inspiration. No immediate further developments, but it signals growing state support.

Honouring Simu Das’s World Cup Glory

Simu Das emerged as a standout performer in India’s triumphant campaign at the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, held earlier in 2025 in the United Kingdom.

Competing in the B1 category-designated for athletes with the severest visual impairment-she contributed significantly to the team’s unbeaten run, helping secure a historic nine-wicket victory in the final against Pakistan.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, announcing the appointment on social media, described it as “a fitting reward for her dedication and a step to institutionalise excellence in para-sports.”

The state had already demonstrated early support by sanctioning Rs 10 lakh shortly after the win, a gesture that provided immediate financial aid. Now, Das’s new role as physical instructor offers stable employment and a platform to mentor young athletes.

This move humanises her journey: from a visually impaired cricketer from Assam’s rural heartlands to a state-employed role model, inspiring girls in para-sports where participation remains low-only about 15% of India’s para-athletes are women, per Sports Authority of India data.

Blind Cricket’s Quiet Revolution in India

Blind cricket, governed by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), has grown steadily since its formalisation in 2010, with over 5,000 registered players across 25 states. Yet, it grapples with limited funding-receiving less than 1% of the Rs 3,000 crore annual sports budget-and sparse media coverage compared to able-bodied cricket.

Das’s appointment marks a pivotal shift, especially in Assam, where para-sports infrastructure lags: the state has just two dedicated centres for visually impaired athletes, hosting fewer than 200 trainees.

Earlier this year, India’s men’s blind team also clinched the IBSA Blind Cricket World Cup, underscoring the sport’s global prowess. However, post-victory support has been patchy; many players rely on sporadic cash awards or private sponsorships.

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement emphasised this gap: “Blind cricket needs more than applause-it requires jobs and visibility to thrive.” The Rs 10 lakh aid for Das followed public appeals from CABI, highlighting how fan and official pressure can drive policy.

Broader Push for Para-Sports Inclusion

This decision builds on national momentum. The 2023 para-athletics boom at the Asian Para Games, where India won 111 medals, prompted states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to hire para-athletes as coaches.

Assam’s move aligns with the Khelo India scheme, which allocated Rs 100 crore for disability sports in 2025, though implementation varies. Incidents like the 2024 delay in prize money for blind cricketers had sparked criticism, but Das’s swift appointment counters that narrative.

Experts view it as a template: Dr. Rajesh Tomar, CABI president, told media, “Employment like this retains talent and builds ecosystems-Simu can train the next generation.” For Assam’s youth, where visual impairment affects over 2 lakh people (NFHS-5 data), it fosters aspiration amid challenges like inaccessible facilities.

Nationally, it spotlights the need for equity, as para-sports funding trails able-bodied events by 80%.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

In celebrating Simu Das, Assam weaves empathy into policy, turning a personal triumph into communal harmony and proving that kindness elevates all.

This isn’t mere patronage-it’s coexistence in action, dismantling barriers for the visually impaired and nurturing para-sports as a bridge to inclusion.

By prioritising jobs over one-off rewards, the state champions positive change, urging India to value every ability.