Shekhar Naik, born in 1986 in Shimoga, Karnataka, is an inspirational sportsperson. Despite being born blind, he began playing cricket in 1997 after surgery restored partial vision in one eye. Overcoming significant physical and economic challenges, his determination and talent led to remarkable achievements.
As the former captain of the Indian Blind Cricket Team, Shekhar led India to its first-ever T20 Blind Cricket World Cup win in 2012 and the Blind Cricket World Cup victory in 2014 against Pakistan. Under his leadership, India also dominated bilateral series against England and Australia. His exceptional performance earned him multiple awards, including Man of the Series and Best Batsman.
Recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2017 and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti award, Shekhar has actively promoted blind cricket in India through the Samarthanam Trust, positively impacting over 25,000 blind cricketers. His journey is a testament to resilience and dedication, making him a true champion and source of inspiration.