In the quiet village of Salabani, Odisha, a young girl stood on a dusty field, gripping a cricket bat for the first time. The sound of the ball’s rattle guided her swing, her senses sharpening with every attempt.
For 17-year-old Phula Soren, that sound wasn’t just a cue; it was a promise of something greater.
Born blind and into , Phula’s days were shaped by financial hardships. Life dealt her another devastating blow when she lost her mother at a young age, and grief clouded her childhood. Yet, amidst the shadows, cricket emerged as her beacon of hope — a sport that transformed her life in ways she never imagined.
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Cricket, often celebrated for its precision and reflexes, poses extraordinary challenges for players. For them, navigating the pitch, timing the bat’s swing, or bowling the ball relies on sound, touch, and instinct rather than sight. The game demands relentless focus and determination, qualities that Phula embraced wholeheartedly, turning what seemed like insurmountable odds into stepping stones to success.
Raised by her father under challenging circumstances, Phula’s journey began on Odisha’s village grounds. A dedicated physical education teacher recognised her potential and encouraged her to pursue the sport. , she embraced cricket with unmatched zeal, refining her skills through hours of practice.
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Her hard work recently paid off when she earned a place on the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team.
Today, Phula proudly serves as the team’s vice-captain. In 2023, she led her team to a historic gold medal at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham, where they defeated Australia in the final. It was a moment of immense pride as India clinched the first-ever women’s blind cricket gold at the event. Phula’s contribution was pivotal, showcasing her skill and leadership.
Cricket has given Phula a new identity and become a source of solace and motivation, helping her move past her personal loss. She beams with pride knowing her father is now recognised by her name. Her story is a testament to how resilience, combined with the right support, can turn challenges into triumphs.
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Edited by Khushi Arora
For 17-year-old Phula Soren, that sound wasn’t just a cue; it was a promise of something greater.
Born blind and into , Phula’s days were shaped by financial hardships. Life dealt her another devastating blow when she lost her mother at a young age, and grief clouded her childhood. Yet, amidst the shadows, cricket emerged as her beacon of hope — a sport that transformed her life in ways she never imagined.
Advertisement
Cricket, often celebrated for its precision and reflexes, poses extraordinary challenges for players. For them, navigating the pitch, timing the bat’s swing, or bowling the ball relies on sound, touch, and instinct rather than sight. The game demands relentless focus and determination, qualities that Phula embraced wholeheartedly, turning what seemed like insurmountable odds into stepping stones to success.
Raised by her father under challenging circumstances, Phula’s journey began on Odisha’s village grounds. A dedicated physical education teacher recognised her potential and encouraged her to pursue the sport. , she embraced cricket with unmatched zeal, refining her skills through hours of practice.
Advertisement
Her hard work recently paid off when she earned a place on the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team.
Today, Phula proudly serves as the team’s vice-captain. In 2023, she led her team to a historic gold medal at the IBSA World Games in Birmingham, where they defeated Australia in the final. It was a moment of immense pride as India clinched the first-ever women’s blind cricket gold at the event. Phula’s contribution was pivotal, showcasing her skill and leadership.
Cricket has given Phula a new identity and become a source of solace and motivation, helping her move past her personal loss. She beams with pride knowing her father is now recognised by her name. Her story is a testament to how resilience, combined with the right support, can turn challenges into triumphs.
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Edited by Khushi Arora