Hyderabad: Mithali Raj continued to lap up accolades after leading the Indian women’s cricket team to the World Cup final. On Sunday, the Hyderabad Cricket Association lavished praised on her at a felicitation function at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
Mithali was presented with a cheque for Rs 5 lakh, a shawl and a memento amid thunderous applause from the audience that comprised budding as well as ex-women cricketers, club secretaries, former and current officials of the HCA.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling,” an excited Mithali said, adding, “The presence of so many young girl cricketers makes it very special.”
Talking about her growing up years, Mithali said: “I played at the junior and senior levels for the then united Andhra Pradesh. Those were the years that groomed me as a player. It feels nice to see all the former players turn up at this event.”
The world’s highest run-getter also acknowledged “the coaches who played an important role in different phases of my career.”
Mithali also appreciated help received from the HCA. “I have used the indoor and outdoor facilities at the stadium,” she said.
The star cricketer longed to see the Hyderabad side do better. “There should be more players from here in the Indian team. I feel lonely as the only one from Hyderabad in the national side. I am sure with the efforts of HCA more players will make the Indian team in the future,” she said.
HCA president G. Vivekanand said: “Mithali is a role model and will inspire many girls to take up cricket. We are committed to the growth of women’s cricket in Hyderabad and assure all help and support in promoting the game.”
Justice G. V. Seethapathy, member of the High Court-appointed committee to oversee HCA affairs, said he was privileged and honoured to be at the function. “Mithali is an embodiment of women’s prowess in our country. She almost won the game (World Cup final) but to win the hearts of millions of Indians is a bigger achievement in an era where the men’s game is dominating the sports scene,” he said, adding “Mithali and her team have raised the standards.”
Mithali’s coach RSR Murthy and Aarti Nalge, video analyst of the Indian team that finished runner-up too were feted at the function.
