Former India cricket captain Anju Jain is delighted at winning the Arjuna award. She says it was time the prestigious sports accolade came her way.
"It feels good; I am so excited at winning the award. Last year I had applied for the award but I didn't get it; this year I have," she told rediff.com.
For Anju, the Arjuna award has come like a grand double.
"In a few months I am getting married too. So, right now, I am so happy," she declared on Thursday.
"I give credit to my family, friends, coaches, team mates and everyone close to me, who have helped me in my cricketing career," she added.
Anju served India with great distinction for more than a decade. A reliable wicketkeeper, she was also handy with the bat, scoring 1729 runs in One-Day Internationals, at an average of 29.81, and 441 runs in eight Tests, at 36.75.
Since making her international debut in 1993, she went on to captain India, and led the team at the 2000 women's World Cup, where India reached the semi-finals.
But her biggest moment, she confesses, was finishing runners-up to Australia in the 2005 World Cup.
"It was a dream come true. I was so happy that we had made it to the final. It's a moment that I would cherish forever," said Anju, who played in four World Cups.
It is not common to see Indian parents allow their daughters take up cricket. But Anju's parents encouraged her at every stage of her career.
"My dad used to play Ranji Trophy for Delhi, so I learnt a lot from him. My parents always supported me a lot. My coach, Sunita Sharma, also helped me a lot right through," said the Delhi-based 36-year-old.
Anju believes that good times are in store for women's cricket after the merger of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Women's Cricket Association of India.
"It was the best thing to happen to women's cricket in India. It is a very positive move, a big step forward. I am sure now the team will go from strength to strength.
"I spoke to some of my team mates who are currently playing for India and they are delighted with the merger," she added.
Just like all former cricketers, Anju is also hoping that she can contribute to the game in some way, though, for now, she is not looking beyond her marriage.
"I hope to give back something to the game, maybe coach some youngsters; but I am not looking at it right now; someday I would."
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