HP girl to get rousing welcome at her village
DHARAMSHALA: Preparations are underway in Himachal’s Gadheri village to throw a grand welcome for Sushma Verma, wicket keeper of the Indian women’s cricket team that reached the World Cup final.
Verma is a native of Gadheri in Sunni tehsil of Shimla district.
Led by skipper Mithali Raj, the Indian team had a successful outing in the tournament, even though it was defeated by England in the final that was played on Sunday.
Playing against Pakistan in the crucial match on July 2, 24-year-old Sushma dished out her career-best knock and scored 33 runs in 35 balls.
“We are eagerly waiting for her. The family is planning a grand party when she arrives home,” said her uncle Rattan Chand, adding that it’s a proud moment for the family and that the village is awaiting her return.
Talking to HT, her father Bhopal Singh Verma said Sushma is expected to reach New Delhi on Wednesday.
“Sushma told me over phone that she will stay at Jalandhar for two-three days before visiting home,” he said.
On her achievements at the international stage, he said, “Every parent desires his/her child to succeed in life. She has made everyone proud.”
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) has asked the state government to felicitate Sushma in recognition of her achievements.
“The Punjab government has announced Rs 5 lakh cash prize and a job for Harmanpreet Kaur who scored a match-winning century against Australia in the semi-final. We expect the Himachal Pradesh government to follow suit,” said HPCA spokesperson Sanjay Sharma.
He added Sushma’s success will motivate other girls who want to make career in cricket.
Sushma became the first woman cricketer from Himachal Pradesh to play for India in 2014.
She played volleyball and handball at school-level before switching to the game of cricket.