Award a boost to confidence, says Harmanpreet Kaur

Women’s cricket World Cup star performer Harmanpreet Kaur said receiving the Arjuna award was a “boost to her confidence”.

The 28-year-old, who dazzled in the World Cup in England last month, said she was ecstatic about getting the award but was disappointed that her parents could not join her owing to unrest in Punjab.

“For a sportsperson, any kind of recognition from the government is welcome and it boosts your confidence. Getting the Arjuna is a dream for any sportsperson,” Harmanpreet said.

Harmanpreet was among the 17 who were conferred the Arjuna award on the National Sports Day on Tuesday.

“I thank the government for thinking that I am worthy of this award. It will motivate me to work even better in future,” she added.

Harmanpreet, who scored a memorable unbeaten 171 in the World Cup semi-final against Australia to put India in the final, said she wanted a women’s IPL to begin soon.

“We get the opportunity to play in other leagues like women’s Big Bash League (in Australia) or Kia Super League (in England).

“If there is a women’s IPL in India, it will be very big. In think the BCCI is mulling on this issue. I wish a women’s IPL begins in the near future,” said the Punjab batswoman.

Harmanpreet featured in the women’s BBL early this year but was ruled out of the Kia Super League with 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.

“I feel good (about adulation from her fans). They gave us a big reception and responded in a nice way to our performance in the World Cup. We feel proud that we have performed well. We hope to do better in future,” she said. “I hope the quantum of international matches will increase and the BCCI is holding discussion on this.”