The Indian men’s blind cricket team won the second edition of the Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket 2025, powered by Hyundai, with a 5-0 clean sweep against South Africa. In the final match held on May 16, 2025 at Sai Krishnan Cricket Stadium in Muddenahalli, Bengaluru, India secured a comfortable eight-wicket win to wrap up the series.

T. Durga Rao was the star performer in batting as well as bowling. He took two important wickets to help restrict South Africa to 142 for 6 in 20 overs and then scored 60 off 35 balls during the chase. Lalprasad Soren also played a key role, remaining unbeaten on 62 off 41 balls. Together, they helped India reach the target with 42 balls to spare. Rao was named Man of the Match for his all-round performance.

South Africa’s Lesedi N Lesufi was their top scorer, making 54 off 47 balls and helping Proteas reach a respectable total but in the end India’s strong performance ensured victory on their home turf.

The series was organised as part of the initiative ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, in partnership with the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

The five-day tournament culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony, celebrating not only India’s unbeaten run but also the spirit of inclusion and excellence in blind cricket. The Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), through its Samarth initiative, reaffirmed its commitment to creating accessible sporting opportunities and empowering persons with disabilities.

The closing ceremony was graced by eminent personalities from diverse fields. Dr. H. C. Mahadevappa, Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka, emphasized that empowering people with disabilities is not merely a choice but a collective responsibility that shapes a truly inclusive society.

Cricketing legend Syed Kirmani, India’s iconic wicketkeeper and member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, lauded the athletes, calling them real heroes whose game is driven by immense vision, dedication, and passion.

Prakash Padukone, India’s first All England Badminton Champion and a revered mentor in the sports ecosystem, noted that true sportsmanship is defined by courage, resilience, and discipline—qualities evident in every player on the field.

Spiritual leader and humanitarian Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, whose esteemed Sathya Sai Grama campus in Muddenahalli served as the venue for the series, spoke about how sport, when it transcends physical limits, becomes a powerful expression of human dignity and inner strength.

Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founding Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust and Chairman of the CABI, expressed pride in how each run, catch, and wicket stood as a powerful statement of ability and inclusion.

JT Park, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing, and Service at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shri H. C. Mahadevappa, the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka. I also extend my gratitude to all the dignitaries for their contributions in making India truly Samarth."

"My heartfelt congratulations to Team India for winning the second edition of the Samarth Championship. I also deeply appreciate the efforts of the South African team and wish them all the best. Both teams demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship. The Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket is a celebration of humanity, and we are committed to continuing our support in creating a barrier-free, inclusive world. I thank everyone present here for contributing to the grand success of this tournament," he added.

Virat Khullar, Head of Marketing, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. Said, "This is the second consecutive year that we’ve conducted the remarkable Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket, under the Samarth by Hyundai initiative.

"This championship stands not just for cricket, but for the spirit of sports that unites everyone. I am delighted that we hosted the first edition in New Delhi last year, and now the second edition in this beautiful city of Bengaluru. The five matches have been truly captivating — a showcase of true sportsmanship, determination, and the boundless potential of people with special abilities," he further added.

This championship served as a significant platform for the visually impaired athletes, offering them exposure and opportunities to showcase their cricketing skills at an international level. The partnership between Hyundai, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, and CABI focuses on empowering individuals through sport, enhancing visibility for blind cricket, and fostering a culture of inclusion.