The Assam Cabinet has approved the appointment of Simu Das, a visually impaired cricketer from Nagaon who played a pivotal part in India’s recent Women’s T20 Blind World Cup victory, as a physical instructor under the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after the Cabinet meeting held on December 18. The move is seen as a significant gesture by the State government to recognise sporting excellence among athletes with disabilities. Das earned national attention earlier this year when she delivered a match-winning performance in the World Cup final against Nepal in Colombo. She struck a determined 86 runs and took a vital wicket, winning the Player of the Match award and helping India lift the trophy.
Before this new appointment, the state government had sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for Das. She is classified under the B1 category of blind cricket and was part of the squad that created history by winning the inaugural edition of the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup. Das’s story is marked by extraordinary perseverance. Born completely blind and raised in extreme poverty, she grew up without secure housing and faced mounting family responsibilities, including caring for a disabled sibling. Despite these hardships, she found support through sports training initiatives run by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. With consistent practice and determination, she eventually broke through to the national side.
Sports administrators and disability rights advocates said the Cabinet’s decision could influence wider policy changes in sports infrastructure and inclusion. Many believe that mainstreaming blind cricket and recognising women athletes with disabilities have long been overdue in India. The latest step, they hope, will set a precedent for consistent employment opportunities, structured funding and institutional support for disabled sportspersons.