After spending over two decades as an international cricketer, Mithali Raj was nominated and conferred with the prestigious award on Sunday. The 38-year-old was previously awarded the Padmashri and Arjuna award previously by the national government.
She posted a heartfelt message to all the fans after the award was confirmed. Upon thanking her family, friends and teammates, she mentioned that women in sports are powerful catalysts towards a change in society, and she is grateful for the opportunity that was bestowed upon her.
Raj also confessed that bringing more women into the sport through her achievements will be the ultimate honour, and she will continue working hard towards it. She thanked everyone involved in the government for conferring her this massive honour, which is definitely the first of many in women’s cricket.
“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.
This award is a validation of those hours, of all the sacrifices a player makes her entire life. Today, I am honoured, proud, and fortunate to be a part of Indian Cricket,”
she wrote.
One of the finest contributors to Indian cricket and its success over the many years, Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket and is the first player to surpass 6,000 runs and 7,000 runs in the format. She also led the side to the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, where the side lost narrowly to England.
The next major assignment for Mithali, which potentially could be her last in ICC tournaments, is the 2022 World Cup which was originally scheduled in 2021 but was postponed due to pandemic.
