By Prajakta Pawar
January 27 2015

Indian Women's Cricket captain Mithali Raj in keeping with the Nari Shakti theme of the 65th Republic Day was awarded a richly deserved Padma Shri.  Hopefully this will inspire more girls to take to the game in a playing capacity.

India women's captain, Mithali Raj was honoured with the Padma Shri for her service to cricket for well over a decade. She first donned the colours in 1999 and has since represented the country in 153 ODIs, 10 Test matches and 47 T20Is.

Speaking on the occasion, Raj was quoted saying, "It came as a pleasant surprise.” While expressing her gratitude towards her parents for their contribution in her journey, she said, “I am also very happy for my parents who have sacrificed so much for me. It is for them that I am very happy.”

“It (the national award) is a nice way of appreciating your efforts because, at the time when I started playing cricket, there was no awareness for women’s cricket. People did not even know that women’s cricket existed. From that time to present days where people want to follow women’s cricket, I think we have come a long way,” she said.

The 32-year old veteran hopes that award would inspire young girls to take up the sport. “These awards will encourage young girls and players to take up the sport and do much better. With this award probably people will be following women’s cricket keenly and will take a note of the international calendar of women,” she was quoted as saying.

Mithali Raj Wins Padma Shri

Discussion started by Indian Cricket Fever (IP Logged), 27/01/2015 13:34

Indian Cricket Fever
27/01/2015 13:34

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:02:11:05:42:28 by Birbal.

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