Mithali Raj said this after being honored with the Major Award Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna

New Delhi. Mithali Raj, the first female cricketer to receive the coveted Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award, hopes her accomplishments will inspire the country’s young women to pursue their dreams. The 38-year veteran of Indian women’s cricket was honored with the country’s highest sporting honor, Khel Ratna, by President Ram Nath Kovind. He is one of 12 players who have received the award this year.

Mithali wrote on Twitter: “Women in sport are a powerful primary source of change and when they get the recognition they deserve, they are an inspiration to many other women who want to make their dreams come true.”

The Indian Women’s ODI and Test Team Captain said: “I sincerely hope that my journey inspires young women across the country to pursue their dreams.”

Mithali has represented the country in 12 tests, 220 ODI and 89 international T20s for the country in a career spanning more than two decades.