“A moment to cherish”, BCCI tweeted sharing a video of Mithali Raj, Shikhar Dhawan getting awarded by President Ram Nath Govind

BCCI and the whole country is proud of its Indian Women’s team Captain of test and ODI, Mithali Raj. She became the first women to be honoured with the prestigious Majoy Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Along with her, Shekhar Dhawan, the Indian men’s team opener batsman was also honoured with Arjuna Award by President Ram Nath Govind.

BCCI has praised both the players for their hardwork and great achievements and also shared a video of them getting honoured by the President. BCCI Secretary Jay Shag also praised her by saying everyone is “proud” of her.

The 38 year old gem of India is the leading run-getter in the international circuit in women cricketers. She has played 11 Tests, 215 ODIs, and 89 T20Is for India so far in her career. Raj has a total of 10,203 runs across all formats, with eight centuries and 77 half-centuries. She is also one of 12 sports persons who has been honoured by the highest sporting honour of the country, Khel Ratna.

Talking about theachievements, Mithali Raj tweeted, “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”.

She also tweeted, “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.”

On the other hand, Shekhar Dhawan also took to Twitter to thank those who were there with him throughout his journey, including his coaches, medical staff, support staff, the Indian cricket board and his teammates, apart from family and friends. He credited his loved ones and well-wishers and said this achievement would not have been possible without their love and support.

He expressed his happiness over the acknowledgment of his hardwork. In one tweet, he said, “I will continue to work hard to make my country proud. Congratulations to all the awardees.”

Moreover, India’s Tokyi Olympic star Neeraj Chopra was also honoured with the Kgel Ratna in the same event. The event was organized at Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. The President honoured 12 sports persons with Khel Ratna and 35 with Arjuna Award.