PM Narendra Modi meets India's T20 World Cup winning blind cricket team, pays tribute to every member

New Delhi: The national blind cricket team which won the T-20 World Cup for Blind earlier this month met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

Modi complimented the team members for their achievement and urged them to do even better in future, an official statement said.

The team members presented the Prime Minister with an autographed bat, a ball and a team jersey with his name on it.

Modi too, autographed a bat and a ball for the team.

Had a memorable interaction with our champion cricketers, the winners of the T-20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind. pic.twitter.com/9idxuh8Qj8

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Inspired by their seniors, most of these cricketers picked up the game in their school days. Today, they are an inspiration to all of us!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Ajay Kumar Reddy became interested in cricket from school days! He has got over 50 ‘Man of the Series’ & several ‘Man of the Match’ awards. pic.twitter.com/NRM4FyAbdZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Inspired by school seniors, Farhan developed an interest in cricket. He is a motivated player who has won several awards. pic.twitter.com/ND82SC402D

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Meet Dunna Venkateswara. Hailing from AP, he played his first international tournament in 2011. His passion for cricket is phenomenal. pic.twitter.com/Wm2hZuz8Yi

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Sunil lost his vision due to an accident at the age of 4 but he continued to pursue cricket. He has won several awards for his performances. pic.twitter.com/VOS83LPkzb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Prakasha Jayaramaiah always wanted to play cricket & that is what he did! He debuted in 2010 & has delivered many match winning performances pic.twitter.com/4gR7VuJVjM

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Was delighted to meet Prem Kumar, a bright young sportsperson & a part of the winning team. We had a great interaction. pic.twitter.com/3zEzZis7u6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

It was great meeting T Durga Rao. His passion for cricket is extremely inspiring. pic.twitter.com/vuDVScKxSR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Sukhram Majhi has been playing international cricket since 2005. He is also a talented athlete who has won medals in running & high jump. pic.twitter.com/3tKEJ3X5Yj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

India is proud of Ganeshbhai Ishwarbhai Muhundkar. He began playing international cricket in 2014 & has won several accolades for his game. pic.twitter.com/nLga7iyars

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Anish Beg belongs to Nashik. His love for cricket dates back to school days & he vigorously pursued the game. Way to go young friend! pic.twitter.com/jvcUHXB4ll

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Rambir Singh is a hero! He lost his vision due to cancer but his determination kept soaring. He began his international career in 2016. pic.twitter.com/Id8qHwq8bS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Deepak Malik has played great cricket. Apart from cricket, he has also won many medals in athletics. Was very happy to meet him. pic.twitter.com/8SViUXob5F

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Met the talented Golu Kumar from Jharkhand. His teachers & friends kept encouraging him to play & the good results are for all to see! pic.twitter.com/qLrqfD7qVs

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Sonu Golkar has been an ardent cricket follower. He has played several matches & also been awarded for his game. pic.twitter.com/XKhnah9V9P

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

My friend Jafar Iqbal is from Odisha. He has been playing since his school days. He made his international debut in 2011. pic.twitter.com/FlwDzqvN59

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

My best wishes to young Faisal, for a wonderful cricketing career ahead. His diligence and dedication to the game are endearing. pic.twitter.com/TWegrRuznv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

I also congratulate the coaches, parents, friends & teachers of these cricketers who supported them during this unforgettable journey.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

Best wishes to the entire team that won the T-20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind. Keep playing well and making India proud of your game.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2017

The team won the tournament, held across India from January 28 to February 12, after defeating Pakistan in the final match in Bengaluru.

(With IANS inputs)