Balasore emerged champions in the 5th State Level Cricket Tournament for the Visually Impaired Women, defeating Sonepur by 31 runs in the final, which was played at KT Global School in Barunei, Khordha today.

Put into bat, Balasore mustered 133 for six in the stipulated 12 overs and then restricted Sonepur to 102 for three. Earlier in the semifinals, Balasore beat Khordha and Sonepur defeated Cuttack. Jamuna Rani Tudu, Rachana Jena and Phula Soren were awarded as best players in B1, B2 and B3 categories respectively.

The three-day tournament, featuring six teams, was organised by Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired Odisha (CAVI) with the support of the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, IIG Sports Academy and KT Global School.

SSEPD Deputy Secretary Sanyas Kumar Behera, KT Global School Principal Dr Deep Khare, CAVI president Mohammad Jafar Iqbal and visually impaired international athlete Pankaj Bhue graced the closing ceremony and handed over the trophies and cash prizes.
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PHOTO: Players of champion Balasore team lift the trophy in the presence of guests and officials at the State Level Cricket Tournament for the Visually Impaired Women in Barunei on 18 May 2024.