Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolled India women's ODI team captain Mithali Raj after she became the first Indian woman to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. He said Mithali's success is an inspiration from men and women cricketers.
Mithali is also the only woman cricketer to reach 7,000 runs in ODIs and she reached this feat recently against the South Africa women team. PM Modi spoke about her in the 75th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.
"Indian cricket team's Mithali Raj recently became the first Indian woman cricketer to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. Many congratulations to her on this achievement. She is also the first woman cricketer to score 7,000 runs in ODIs. Her contribution to women's cricket is brilliant," PM Modi said.
"She has inspired many through her two-decade-long career. Her story of hard work and success is an inspiration to not only women but also men cricketers," he added.
Mithali has scored 663 runs in 10 Test matches with the best score of 214, while she has 7098 and 2364 runs from 214 ODIs and 89 T20Is Internationals respectively.
Mithali had reached the landmark figure on March 12 during a match against South Africa Women. Two days later, she added another feather to her illustrious cap by becoming the first woman cricketer to complete 7,000 runs in ODIs.
PM Modi further spoke about the Indian shooters in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun. India currently top the medals tally with 28 medals, which includes 13 gold.
"It is interesting that in the month of March when we celebrate women's day, many women athletes won medals and created records. In the ISSF World Cup, being held in New Delhi, India is at the top of the medals tally. In the gold medal tally also, India is at the top.
"It was made possible by excellent performances by Indian men and women shooters. Also, PV Sindhu won a silver medal in the BWF Swiss Open Super 300 Tournament," he said.
(WITH ANI INPUTS)
