Mamata Banerjee announces cricket stadium in Richa Ghosh's honor
What's the story
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced plans to build a new cricket stadium in Darjeeling, naming it after India's WODI World Cup-winning player, Richa Ghosh. The 22-year-old Siliguri-born cricketer played an instrumental role in India's historic title win earlier this month. Ghosh helped India Women win their maiden ICC title, scoring 34 in the final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
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Announcement at Ghosh's felicitation event
Banerjee made the announcement at a felicitation event for Ghosh, emphasizing that Bengal wants her accomplishments to be remembered for generations. "Richa became a world champion at just 22. On behalf of the West Bengal government, we honored her, but I want to do more," Banerjee said. She added that "there is about 27 acres of land in Darjeeling" where she has asked the mayor to plan a cricket stadium named after Richa.
Homecoming celebration
CAB, Ganguly honor Ghosh with gold-plated bat, ball
After India's 52-run win over South Africa in the Women's World Cup final at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on November 2, Ghosh returned home to Siliguri. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), led by President Sourav Ganguly, joined Banerjee in honoring the young wicketkeeper-batter at the event. Ghosh was presented with a gold-plated bat and ball signed by Ganguly and Indian cricket legend Jhulan Goswami.
Awards and recognition
WB government gives Banga Bhushan award to Ghosh
The West Bengal government also honored Ghosh with the coveted Banga Bhushan award, a gold chain. She was also appointed the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Ganguly heaped praise on Ghosh, seeing her as a "future India captain." The latter bolstered India in the World Cup, proving her mettle as a hard-hitting finisher and dependable wicketkeeper. She had earned praise with her valiant knock of 94 against South Africa in Vizag.
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Historic stadium for India
If Banerjee's stadium proposal is realized, it would be a historic moment for women's cricket in the country. It would be India's first stadium dedicated to a female cricketer, highlighting the increasing acknowledgment of women's contributions to the sport.