Richa Ghosh Felicitated at Eden Gardens: From World Cup Hero to Bengal’s DSP

Kolkata, India: West Bengal celebrated its first women’s World Cup–winning cricketer, Richa Ghosh, with grand honours at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The felicitation ceremony, organized by CAB President Sourav Ganguly, was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who presented Richa with the Banga Bhushan award, a gold chain, and her appointment letter as DSP in the state police.

The CAB also handed Richa a ₹34 lakh cheque—symbolic of her 34 runs in the World Cup final—along with a golden bat and ball. Both Mamata Banerjee and Sourav Ganguly expressed their wish to see Richa become India’s future captain.

Veteran cricketer Jhulan Goswami, who first discovered Richa’s talent in 2013, recalled how she had to fight to get the young prodigy into Bengal’s senior team. Richa, often called “Chhoto Mahi” for her big-hitting style reminiscent of MS Dhoni, said she loves performing under pressure and wants to keep improving.

The event also saw tributes from sports minister Aroop Biswas, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, and actor Mimi Chakraborty. Sourav announced a new world-class cricket academy coming up in Dumurjala, supported by the state government.

Chief Minister Banerjee praised Richa’s dedication but urged everyone not to burden her with expectations. She added with a smile, “One day Sourav should also lead world cricket—maybe as ICC President.”

From Siliguri to the world stage, Richa Ghosh has not just brought glory to Bengal but inspired a generation—now as a World Cup winner and Bengal’s own DSP.