Ahmedabad: Iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar felicitated Wednesday the India U-19 women’s cricket team for their triumph in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa. Sachin Tendulkar said the feat will encourage many girls to take up the sport and realise their dreams.
“I would likely to congratulate you on the magnificent achievement. The entire nation will celebrate (the triumph) for years to come,” Tendulkar said. “For me, my cricketing dreams started in 1983 but by winning this World Cup, you have given birth of many dreams. It was a magnificent performance,” Tendulkar added.
The felicitation ceremony took place just before the start of the series-deciding third T20I between India and New Zealand here Wednesday.
“By winning this World Cup, you have given a dream to young girls in India to represent the country,” Tendulkar said. “The beginning of the WPL (Women’s Premier League) is going to be the biggest thing. I believe in equality for men and women, and not just in sports. There should be equal opportunities,” the cricket great added.
Tendulkar said the BCCI is doing its best for the growth of women’s cricket in the country. “What BCCI has been able to do and the officials’ contribution in helping women’s cricket prosper, I think it’s a sign that we will really do well (in future),” Tendulkar added.
The brief felicitation function was also attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, president Roger Binny, vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Ashish Shelar. The dignitaries handed over a cheque of rupees five crore to the victorious India U-19 women’s team as announced by the board secretary earlier.