Internet Desk: Sports Minister of India Shri Vijay Goel on Thursday felicitated the Indian women’s cricket team for their brilliant performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup. In the grand occasion Goel said this feat will inspire the youngsters of the nation to take up sports as career option.
Mithali Raj led Indian cricket team faced a narrow defeat by nine runs in the grand finale of the tournament against the hosts England.
“Our women’s cricket team has done exceedingly well and any form of appreciation will be less for them. Despite ending as runner-ups, I feel that the women’s team has won the finals because they have won the hearts of the entire country,” Goel said.
Welcoming the team, Goel said these players have “inspired youths, especially millions of young women across the country to take up sports as a career”.
“From Rio Olympics to Paralympics and in games like hockey, wrestling, badminton, and now the splendid performance in the Women’s World Cup, Indian women are leading the way in the international sporting arena. The minister said that the message is clear – Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and now Beti Khilao,” the ministry said in a statement.
Reiterating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to involve youth in sports, Goel said the idea is “Kheloge to Khiloge (Those who play, they shine)” to develop the overall personality of the youth.
He further added that the brilliant performance by the Indian eves will inspire the Indian colts to do well in the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Goel said the ministry’s doors are open 24×7 for players and best facilities will be given to everyone.
Goel also felicitated the coaches and the support staff for their efforts behind the scene.
Sharing her experience, captain Mithali Raj appreciated the performance of each member of the team and thanked the prime minister and sports minister for their encouragement.
India’s star cricketers like Harmanpreet Kaur and Poonam Raut were present on the auspicious occasion.
BCCI too felicitated the Women’s team today. Board’s acting president CK Khanna, CoA member Diana Edulji and many others was present in the occasion. BCCI has awarded rupees 50 Lakh each to every player of the team.