Kolkata: It was just a few days ago that she played a gem of an innings against Australia in the semi-finals that saw the defending champions crash out after falling short by 36 runs. Such a remarkable knock is expected to be rewarded and felicitated and her employers, the Mumbai Division of the Western Railways has decided to suggest her name for a promotion.
“Certainly, we would recommend her name to the Railway Ministry for promotion. We will also felicitate her when she comes back home,” said Ravinder Bhaker, the Chief PRO of the Western Railways on Saturday.
He also revealed that the 28-year old batswoman currently holds the office of the Chief Office Superintendent in Mumbai.
He added, “Whenever, our players show excellence or perform outstandingly in international events, we recommend their names for promotion.”
Sunil Udasi, a senior officer of the Central Railways said that the state-run transport undertaking assures that the players receive proper training.
Udasi is the head of the committee that selects the members of the Railways’ women’s cricket team and he also said that the women cricketers have always been promoted by the Railways.
In an interaction with the PTI, he said, “Railways women cricketers have always been in the forefront and the current national team is no exception. As many as 10 players from the current 15-member team (taking part in the World Cup) are from Railways.”
“This is due to the robust domestic schedule and facilities such as 330 days special leave for dedicated training being provided by the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB),” he added.
Udasi who also is the chief PRO of the Central Railway said that the Railway Sports Promotion Board has had many initiatives in the past directed at providing regular as well as quality training to players to prepare them for major international events.
He also said that not only Harmanpreet but also Mithali Raj, Ekta Bisht, Punam Raut, Veda Krishnamurthy, Poonam Yadav, Sushma Devi, Mona Mesharm, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Nuzhat Parween, are from the Railways.
However, that’s not the end. She would also receive an award of ₹5 lakh from the Punjab government as announced by the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.
He had called up Harmanpreet’s father Harmandar Singh to congratulate him for his daughter’s stellar knock against Australia that guided India to the final of the Women’s World Cup for the second time after a space of 12 years.
He also wished good luck to the Moga girl for the final against England and hoped that she would continue with her fine form.