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Internet Desk: Indian Women’s star cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur claims that she never expected that she would be winning the highly prestigious Arjuna Award. The hard hitting cricketer will win the award on August 29.
She is one of the 17 sportsperson to receive the prestigious award from the President of India.
“For a sportsperson, any kind of recognition from the government is welcome and it boosts your confidence. Getting Arjuna Award is a dream for any sportsperson,” Harmanpreet told media.
“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 better in future,” she added.
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Harmanpreet, whose memorable 171 not out in the World Cup semifinals against Australia took India to the finals, said she would want a women’s IPL to begin soon in India.
“We get the opportunity to play in other leagues like women’s Big Bash League (in Australia), Kia Super League (in England). If there is women’s IPL in India, it will be very big. In think the BCCI is mulling over on this issue. I wish a women’s IPL starts in the near future,” said the Punjab batswoman.
Harmanpreet played in the women’s BBL early this year but was ruled out of the Kia Super League due to a shoulder injury sustained during the World Cup.
She said the profile of women’s cricket in India got a huge boost because of the national team’s impressive performance in the recent World Cup.
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“I am feeling good (to have got the adulation of the people). The people of India gave us a big reception and responded in a big way to our performance in the World Cup. We feel proud that we have performed well for the country. We hope to do even better in the times to come,” she said.
She hoped that the number of international matches for the women’s team will be increased.
“I hope the quantum of international matches will increase and the BCCI is having discussion on this and meetings are being held,” Harmanpreet said.