BCCI shares video of Mithali Raj, Shikhan Dhawan being awarded by President
- President Ram Nath Kovind presented India's opener batsman Shikhar Dhawan with the Arjuna Award
- Mithali Raj leads the ODI and T20I run-scoring charts
- Mithali has played 11 Tests, 215 ODIs, and 89 T20Is for India so far in her career
Mithali Raj, India captain, became the first woman to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on Saturday. The 38-year-old is the leading run-getter among female cricketers in the international circuit.
In addition to Mithali, President Ram Nath Kovind presented India’s opener batsman Shikhar Dhawan with the Arjuna Award at the same event.
While Shikhar Dhawan has been a part of and contributed to many noteworthy Indian wins, Mithali Raj leads the ODI and T20I run-scoring charts. Her career began in 1999 and has now spanned more than two decades.
Also Read | Record-making Mithali Raj reclaims No.1 spot in ICC Women’s ODI rankings
Mithali 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.
The BCCI praised the duo’s accomplishments and shared a video of them being honoured by the President on social media. Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Jay Shah praised Mithali’s achievements, saying that everyone is “proud” of the India Test and ODI captain.
Also Read | Mithali Raj becomes highest run-scorer across formats in women’s cricket
The 38-year-old Indian women’s cricket player was one of 12 athletes honoured by the President with the Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting honour.
“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,” Raj said in a statement on her Twitter handle.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic star in Tokyo, was also honoured with the Khel Ratna.
The event was held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan’s Durbar Hall in New Delhi, and the President presented twelve Khel Ratna awards as well as the Arjuna award to 35 athletes.
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