New Delhi: India’s women’s cricket World Cup star performer Harmanpreet Kaur said Monday that she had never envisaged winning the prestigious Arjuna Award which she will receive here Tuesday. She is one of the 17 sportspersons who will get the award from the President of India.
“For a sportsperson, any kind of recognition from the government is welcome and it boosts your confidence. Getting the Arjuna Award is a dream come true for any sportsperson,” Harmanpreet told this agency on the sidelines of a promotional event here.
“I thank the government for thinking that I am worthy of this award and I am very happy for this. This will motivate me to work even harder in future,” she added.
Harmanpreet, whose memorable 171 not out in the World Cup semifinals against Australia took India to the final, said she would want a women’s IPL to begin in India.
“We get the opportunity to play in other leagues like the Big Bash League (in Australia), Kia Super League (in England). If there is women’s IPL in India, it will be very big. I think the BCCI is mulling over on this issue. I wish a women’s IPL starts in the near future,” said the Punjab batswoman.
She said the profile of women’s cricket in India has got a huge boost because of the national team’s impressive performance in the recent World Cup.
“I am feeling good (to have got the adulation of the people). We feel proud that we have performed well for the country. We hope to do even better in the times to come,” asserted Harmanpreet.
More matches on anvil
New Delhi: In an attempt to create a bigger feeder line for the women’s cricket team, the BCCI is planning to introduce more India A tours in near future. Besides the ‘A’ tour, there are plans to expand the U-16 domestic zonal tournament to the all-India level. As of now, all-India junior tournaments cover only the U-19 and U-23 category. “The team are not scheduled to play any international matches this year. So we have already written to all the full members for bilateral limited overs series or even a tri-series. As of now, we have got positive responses from England and Australia,” said a BCCI official.
Press trust of India