Mithali Raj became the first female cricketer to get the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
India women's Test and ODI teams' skipper Mithali Raj hoped that her achievements would inspire the country's young girls to pursue their dreams.
Mithali Raj has been the stalwart of the Indian women’s team since making her international debut as a 16-year-old in 1999. The right-handed batter has been the top run-getter in international cricket across formats with over 7300 runs in ODIs, 2364 runs in T20Is, and 669 runs in Test matches.
Mithali Raj on Saturday (13th November) became the first female cricketer to be awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
She was among the 12 sportspersons to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award from Hon. President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
After being conferred with the Khel Ratna award, Mithali Raj in a tweet asserted that women in sports are the powerful catalysts of change and can inspire others to achieve their dreams. She hoped that her journey inspires girls across the country to pursue their dreams.
"Women in sport are powerful catalysts of change and when they get the appreciation they deserve, it inspires change in several other women wanting to achieve their dreams.
“I sincerely hope that my journey inspires young girls all across the country to pursue their dreams and know that only when you dream can you make it happen,” Mithali Raj Tweeted.
Raj said that when she was learning the game of cricketer her dream was to represent the blue jersey of the Indian team, which represents pride. She also talked about parameters of success, saying that it comes after hours of grind.
"When I was growing up and learning to play this amazing game, representing my country was my dream. I always wanted to wear the blue jersey, which represents the absolute pride we feel for our nation.
“One strives for mastery but there are so many variables and infinite parameters that when success comes by, it often is a result of hours of grind every day," she said.
Raj admitted that this award is the result of all her hard work and the sacrifices which she made in her entire life. She added that she wanted to give everything to cricket and is honoured, proud to be part of the Indian team.
"This award is a validation of those hours, of all the sacrifices a player makes her entire life. I just wanted to give cricket everything I had and I think I am happy that I've pushed myself harder and harder to get to this momentous day.
“Today, I am honoured, proud and fortunate to be a part of Indian cricket. This journey has been arduous but not without the support of my mentors, family, friends and seniors who paved the way for all of us and my teammates," she said.
Mithali Raj further said that she owes to everyone who supported her and encouraged her. She admitted that she will share her award with everyone who has had a part in her journey.
In the end, the Indian skipper thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah.
"I owe so much to my country, my institution Indian Railways, administrators, selectors, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, masseuses, supporters and fans for their patience and encouragement. This accolade is not mine alone but I share it with everyone who has had a part to play in my journey,” she concluded.
(PTI inputs)