New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) celebrated the achievements of India’s World Cup champions, Pratika Rawal and Udhav Mohan, at the National Convention of the Sports Journalists Federation of India, organized by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association on Monday.

This recognition ceremony was part of the SJFI convention's Golden Jubilee festivities, uniting administrators, journalists, and athletes to honor accomplishments in Indian sports. During the event, DDCA awarded Rawal, who was a key player in India’s historic women’s ODI World Cup victory in 2025, a cash prize of ₹11 lakh. Mohan, a member of the Under-19 World Cup-winning national junior team, also received ₹11 lakh.

In his address, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley stated, “Recognizing players who have emerged from the Delhi system and represented the country with excellence is always a special occasion. Such achievements inspire countless young cricketers aspiring to follow a similar path. We, as an association, believe that recognition and encouragement are vital in nurturing future talent.”

Rawal considered this honor as a significant milestone in her evolution as a cricketer nurtured through Delhi’s cricketing framework.

“Being acknowledged on such a significant platform, especially by the DDCA and by Rohan sir, is truly rewarding. I have invested a lot of effort into cricket for Delhi, and this is a moment I will treasure forever,” Rawal expressed.

She further commented on how such recognitions can influence young talents entering the cricketing realm, stating, “When you perform at your best, recognition naturally follows. This creates a motivating cycle where acknowledgment inspires you to enhance your performance. I believe this will encourage many youngsters, both girls and boys, entering the system.”

For Mohan, this acknowledgment represented a pivotal moment early in his career. The young cricketer, part of India’s 2025/26 Under-19 World Cup champion team, practices at the West Delhi Cricket Academy under the mentorship of renowned coach Rajkumar Sharma, who previously coached Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli.

“I am immensely grateful to DDCA. This recognition serves as a motivational boost for us cricketers, as knowing our association supports us encourages us to strive for excellence. It inspires me to improve continually, play better cricket, and bring pride to my state and country. Ultimately, every cricketer aspires to grow, and here we have access to exceptional facilities and an environment conducive to development,” Mohan remarked.

Reflecting on his journey through the Delhi system, he added, “I have always represented Delhi, starting from the Under-16 team and moving through to Under-19 cricket before joining the India Under-19 World Cup squad. Delhi has a robust selection process where players must consistently prove themselves, helping to unearth the best talent.”

Jaitley also shared insights on the future of cricket infrastructure in the capital, revealing plans for another international stadium in Delhi, emphasizing accessibility as a core component.

“We are in the process of developing another international stadium, with a focus on accessibility. Our goal is to create an arena where individuals with mobility challenges, speech or vision impairments, and sensory sensitivities can enjoy the sport comfortably. Cricket should be inclusive for all,” he stated.