Mithali Raj: Hope my journey inspires young girls to pursue their dreams

The first woman cricketer to be conferred with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Mithali Raj on Saturday hoped her achievements would inspire the countrys young girls to pursue their dreams and be the catalysts for changeThe 38yearold stalwart of Indian womens cricket was one of the 12 sportspersons to receive the Khel Ratna the countrys highest sporting honour from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati BhavanWomen 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 Raj said in a statement on her Twitter handleTruly honoured and grateful to receive the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award pictwittercom79HZOV9Uoxmdash Mithali Raj M_Raj03 November 13 2021I 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 happenShe said representing the country was her dream and receiving the award was a validation of the hard work she had put in her over two decade long illustrious career starting from 1999When 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 nationOne 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 wrote Mithali Raj who has played in 12 Tests 220 ODIs and 89 T20IsThis 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 Ive pushed myself harder and harder to get to this momentous dayThe Test captain said that any recognition from the government was special and a reminder that the game was an important constituent of national prideWe must continue to give it our best said RajToday 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 wroteI 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 journeyRaj also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sports Minister Anurag Thakur BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay ShahThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever