NEW DELHI: World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was honoured in a glittering ceremony at Eden Gardens on Saturday, receiving the Banga Bhushan award, an appointment as Deputy Superintendent of Police, and a gold chain from the West Bengal government.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which organised the hour-long event, also presented her with Rs 34 lakh - one lakh for each run she scored in the World Cup final.
Richa made history as the first cricketer from Bengal to win a World Cup, a milestone that even Sourav Ganguly, India's captain in the 2003 final, could not achieve when India lost to Australia.
Richa played a crucial role in India's World Cup triumph. Batting at No. 7, she scored an important 34 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes in the final against South Africa, helping India post a challenging 298/7. In response, South Africa were bowled out for 246, handing India the title.
VIDEO | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, in the presence of former India captain Sourav Ganguly, felicitated Women's World Cup winning cricketer Richa Ghosh with a gold chain, offered an appointment letter of West Bengal Police in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of… pic.twitter.com/bIOJPSsQ7e
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CAB president Sourav Ganguly hailed the 22-year-old from Siliguri as Bengal's pride and said, "Richa has made the state proud. I hope she continues her good work and one day captains the Indian women's team."
Across the tournament, she amassed 235 runs from eight innings at an average of 39.16 and a strike rate of 133.52 -- the highest among Indian batters -- besides equalling Deandra Dottin's record of 12 sixes in a single Women's World Cup.
"I enjoy the pressure. When I bat at nets, I keep a watch on the time and see how many runs I can score in that specific period," said Richa, reflecting her composed mindset as a finisher.
The CAB presented her with a golden bat and ball, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally handed over the Banga Bhushan medal, DSP appointment letter, and the gold chain, amid thunderous applause from fans and dignitaries.
The Banga Bhushan and Banga Bibhushan awards are the highest civilian honours instituted by the West Bengal government, conferred on distinguished individuals who have excelled in various fields of human endeavour, including art, culture, literature, public administration and public service.
The event was also attended by Bengal women's cricket icon Jhulan Goswami, state Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, actor-MP Mimi Chakraborty who also hails from North Bengal and Richa’s parents, Manabendra and Swapna Ghosh.
