New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS) The 20-year-old Phula Saren from Odisha\u2019s Balasore district, who was adjudged Player of the Match in the final of the Blind Women\u2019s T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo, said that reality struck her hard upon returning home after India\u2019s historic title triumph. <\/p>\n
The Blind Women\u2019s Cricket T20 World Cup-winning team was accorded a hero\u2019s welcome on its return to India. Moreover, the Government of Odisha awarded Rs 11 lakh each to the Odisha players after their historic win.<\/p>\n
Phula, however, revealed that she was met with an eviction notice, compelling her to plead with the government for a small home for herself and her family. The world champion is deeply concerned about her parents\u2019 struggles, living in a temporary hut on government land in Salabanei village, amid the threat of eviction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I came back with the World Cup, our District Collector told us he felt proud. But now we have received an eviction notice. Where will we go?\u201d Phula told IANS. \u201cIf they remove us, I cannot study, I cannot practice, I cannot play. I will lose everything. I played for India\u2026 I made my country proud. But now I don\u2019t know where my family will live,\u201d said Phula, holding back tears.<\/p>\n
Phula\u2019s parents are daily wage labourers. The family have no land of their own. \u201cWe live on government land \u2014 a small shed my father built. My mother works as a helper in a local lab. My brothers also work as labourers. There is no stable income.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cMy father could not support my education or my game. Many times I wanted to quit. I was the only girl from my district to even complete higher studies\u2026 people in my village said, \u2018She is blind, what will she do?\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want a small house for my family. I don\u2019t want big gifts. I don\u2019t want fame. I only want a small piece of land so my family can build a house. If we are removed, where will we stay? How will I continue my studies or cricket?\u201d<\/p>\n
She said that some officials promised help, but nothing materialised. \u201cThey said they would support me\u2026 open training facilities\u2026 give us land. But nothing happened. Everyone wants credit when I win. But when I need help, no one is there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Phula continued, \u201cI fought poverty and disability. I fought every barrier to play for India. But now I am scared \u2014 not of cricket opponents, but of losing my home. The government felt proud when I won. Now I request the same government\u2026 please don\u2019t take away our home. Give us a small land to live on. That is all I want.\u201d<\/p>\n
Phula further recalled the moments after India\u2019s historic victory against Nepal in Colombo. \u201cWinning the World Cup felt like touching the sky. My dream was to meet PM Modi\u2026 and just two days after the win, he called us. When he shook my hand, he said he was proud of us. I will never forget that day,\u201d she said.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2013IANS<\/p>\n
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