India’s most celebrated woman cricketer Mithali Raj is the first woman cricketer to be bestowed with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Raj was awarded on Saturday and hoped that her achievements would inspire young girls in India to pursue their dreams and also be a catalyst for change.
The 38-year-old cricket stalwart was amongst the 12 sportspeople to receive the Khel Ratna award, which is the highest sporting honour given to a sportsperson. The award is given by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
She felt "honoured and grateful" for receiving the award.
Other sportspersons who were conferred with the award included Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, wrestler Ravi Kumar, para shooter Avani Lekhara, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri among others.
Raj is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and the only woman cricketer who crossed the 7000-run mark in women's ODI matches.
Mithali released a statement on Twitter after receiving the award in which she said that the award and recognition are a validation of those hours and all the sacrifices a player makes in life.
"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,” the statement further read.
"I just wanted to give cricket everything I had and I think I am happy that it pushed me harder and harder to get to this momentous day. Today, I am honoured, proud and fortunate to be a part of Indian Cricket," added Mithali.
Representing the country was her dream, Mithali said. Cricket has contributed over two long decades to the game starting from 1999.
"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," said Mithali.
"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 wrote.
"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."
Shikhar Dhawan was also conferred with the Arjuna Award by President Ram Nath Kovind in the same event. On the other hand, BCCI took to Twitter and lauded the achievements of the duo and shared the video in which the two were being honoured. BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted a note saying she made everyone “proud”.
Mithali Raj also showed her gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah.