Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, October 1: Indian women's cricket team captain and Asian Games gold medallist Richa Ghosh returned to Kolkata late on Thursday night after helping India secure the gold medal at the continental sporting event. Despite the late hour, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) arranged a special welcome for the Bengal cricket star at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Richa was felicitated by the CAB with a traditional uttariya, flowers and sweets as she arrived in the city following her memorable achievement for the country.

Richa reached the Dum Dum airport at around 2 am, somewhat later than the scheduled arrival time of her flight. Even at that late hour, CAB officials were present to welcome the star wicketkeeper-batter. CAB Treasurer Sanjay Das felicitated Richa on behalf of the association while carrying a message of congratulations from CAB President Sourav Ganguly.

CAB Chief Executive Officer Chinmoy Nayak and Stadium Committee member Ambarish Mitra were also present at the airport during the welcome ceremony. The officials handed Richa a bouquet and sweets and congratulated her on her contribution to India's gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Richa expressed her happiness and pride at being recognised following the team's success. She said that she felt proud and deeply moved to have earned such an honour while representing the country.

The warm reception in Kolkata came after a memorable final in which India defeated Sri Lanka on September 22 to claim the gold medal. Following India's victory, CAB Treasurer Sanjay Das had spoken to Richa over the phone and congratulated her on the team's achievement.

Richa played a crucial role in India's victory in the final, producing an explosive performance with the bat when the team needed it most. She remained unbeaten on 49 runs from just 22 deliveries, striking six boundaries and three sixes during her impressive innings. Her aggressive batting provided India with valuable momentum and made a significant contribution to the team's final victory.

Her contribution was not limited to batting. Behind the stumps, Richa was equally effective and played an important role in India's all-round performance. She completed one catch and also effected two stumpings, underlining her importance as both a wicketkeeper and a batter.

For Bengal cricket, Richa's Asian Games success has been a matter of considerable pride. Her return to Kolkata was therefore marked by an emotional and enthusiastic welcome from the state's cricket administration. The late-night felicitation at the airport reflected the excitement surrounding the achievement of one of Bengal's prominent young cricket stars.

Richa's performance in the gold medal-winning campaign has further highlighted her growing importance in Indian women's cricket. Her ability to contribute with both the bat and gloves has made her a key member of the national side, while her performance in the final provided another memorable chapter in her international career.

The CAB's welcome also carried a personal touch, with Sourav Ganguly's congratulatory message being conveyed to Richa during the airport felicitation. Despite the late-night arrival, officials of the Bengal cricket body made sure that the Asian Games champion received a warm reception on her return home.

After an important campaign that ended with India winning the gold medal, Richa has now returned to Kolkata with another major achievement added to her career. For the Bengal cricket fraternity and her supporters in the city, her midnight arrival became an occasion to celebrate the success of a homegrown cricketer who made a significant contribution to India's triumph on the Asian stage.