Bhopal, Nov 7 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday celebrated the accomplishments of Kranti Goud, a member of India's victorious World Cup women's cricket team from the state, by honoring her. Yadav praised Goud for her hard work and dedicated attitude.
Alongside the 22-year-old medium-fast bowler from Ghuwara town in Chhatarpur district, Bundelkhand region, Goud's parents and coach were also acknowledged during the ceremony. The felicitation took place at the chief minister's official residence in Bhopal, attended by a significant number of sportspersons.
Kranti Goud shared her experiences during the event, recalling the historic moment when India clinched the women's World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai's D Y Patil Stadium on November 2. The victory sparked joyous celebrations nationwide among fans.
"Winning the World Cup was an indescribably proud moment for not just us but the entire nation. The victory was for India more than for ourselves," expressed Goud.
Goud spoke about her unwavering determination to transform dreams into reality, "Whenever you feel like giving up, think about your dreams," she advised. "There were times we had just one meal a day. Yet, I never gave up," she added.
She expressed her happiness and pride, "Today, I have brought honor to my family and Bundelkhand." Regarding her regime to stay fit, the bowler remarked, "We focus on what to eat and what not to eat. Self-control is paramount."
Goud also reflected on the team's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. "I felt very relaxed after meeting him. The PM advised us to stay present in every moment," she shared.
She expressed gratitude towards the government of Madhya Pradesh for the Rs 1 crore cash reward announced for her. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Yadav emphasized the importance of staying fit and practicing yoga as vital aspects of life, particularly for athletes.
"Two things are crucial in life — fitness and a focus on yoga. Kranti has put in immense effort to become a stellar player, also practicing yoga. Yoga plays a key role in improving concentration," Yadav stated. He further lauded Prime Minister Modi for effectively popularizing yoga worldwide since taking office in 2014.
"We must prioritize our fitness daily," the CM advised. He encouraged everyone to practice yoga for better health, commending the PM for promoting yoga globally. Yadav reminisced about his days as a wrestler, mentioning that being around athletes brings back nostalgic memories.
He expressed immense pride in Goud, stating, "It is our privilege that a daughter of Madhya Pradesh has overcome numerous challenges to reach international stature." At the same event, Yadav and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang also honored Goud's parents and coach.
Coach Rajiv Birthare highlighted the focus on fitness in training Goud for the World Cup, noting the challenges encountered. "There were setbacks, but Kranti's dedication prevailed," the coach said, emphasizing how yoga not just maintains physical fitness but calms the mind.
During the event, Yadav announced plans for another celebration of Goud coinciding with the birth anniversary of tribal icon and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on November 15 in Jabalpur. He also responded positively to Goud's request for a cricket stadium in Chhatarpur and pledged to address her father's job-related concerns in the police department.
Speaking with PTI Videos later, Goud expressed her gratitude, "It's a proud moment because despite his busy schedule, the Chief Minister took time to honor my family and me." Grateful for the Rs 1 crore reward, she said, "I thank him sincerely."
After the felicitation event in Bhopal, Goud flew back to her hometown via Khajuraho on a chartered plane, receiving a hero's welcome at the Khajuraho airport from enthusiastic students and locals.
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