Bengaluru: The Indian women's cricket team has embarked on a historic journey as they head to the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
This marks their very first participation in the Asian Games, a significant moment for women's cricket in India.
The Asian Games are set to kick off on September 23, and the Indian team is eager to make its mark on this international sporting stage.
The team's departure from Bengaluru was a spirited affair, with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) sending them off with great enthusiasm and support. The SAI shared pictures of the team, expressing their best wishes for this groundbreaking journey, reported ANI.
The Indian women's cricket team is led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as the vice-captain. The squad includes Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Amanjot Kaur, Devika Vaidya, Titas Sadhu, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Minnu Mani, Kanika Ahuja, Uma Chetry (wicket-keeper), Anusha Bareddy, and Pooja Vastrakar. Harleen Deol, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, and Saika Ishaque are four standby players.
The inclusion of women's cricket in the Asian Games is a momentous occasion for the sport. It provides an excellent platform for Indian women cricketers to showcase their skills and compete at an international level. The team's journey to the Asian Games reflects the growing popularity and recognition of women's cricket in India.
The team's performance at the Asian Games will be closely watched by fans.