West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced that Richa Ghosh will be honoured with a new cricket stadium named after her in Siliguri.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that a new cricket stadium will be named after Indian cricketer Richa Ghosh, who played a key role in India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup victory. The upcoming stadium in Siliguri, Richa’s hometown, marks a historic first as she becomes the first Indian woman cricketer to have an entire stadium named in her honour.
Announcement by the Chief Minister
The announcement was made during a felicitation ceremony held to honour Richa and other sportspersons. Mamata Banerjee praised Richa’s exceptional contribution to Indian cricket and revealed that the new stadium would be constructed at the Chandmani Tea Estate in Siliguri on a 27-acre plot.
She highlighted that this recognition not only celebrates Richa’s achievements but also aims to promote women’s cricket in North Bengal. The Chief Minister added that Richa’s journey and determination have brought immense pride to the state and will inspire a new generation of athletes.
First Indian Woman Cricketer to Receive This Honour
Richa Ghosh’s recognition stands out as a landmark moment in Indian sports history. She becomes the first Indian woman cricketer to have a full stadium named after her.
Several other prominent women cricketers have been honoured in different ways but never with an entire stadium. Jhulan Goswami has a stand named after her at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana have stands and gates named in their honour at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Sushma Verma has a pavilion named after her in Himachal Pradesh.
Also Read: Why Experts Believe Meditation Should Begin In Childhood: Know Here!
Richa’s achievement, therefore, sets a new precedent in recognising women’s contribution to Indian cricket.
Honours Bestowed Upon Richa Ghosh
In addition to the stadium, the West Bengal government conferred the prestigious Banga Bhushan Award on Richa for her stellar performance in the World Cup. She was also appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in recognition of her achievements and contribution to the sport.
Mamata Banerjee congratulated her for being a role model for young girls in sports and encouraged others to follow her path. The felicitation ceremony witnessed an emotional Richa thanking her family, coaches, and fans for their constant support.
Richa Ghosh’s Inspiring Journey
Richa’s journey from Siliguri’s modest cricket grounds to becoming one of India’s top players is truly inspiring. At just 22, she has already established herself as a key wicketkeeper-batter for the national team.
Her powerful hitting and consistency throughout the World Cup were crucial to India’s triumph. She scored 235 runs in eight matches with an impressive strike rate of 133 and played a decisive innings in the final match against South Africa, leading India to victory.
The decision to name a stadium after Richa Ghosh is a significant milestone for women’s cricket in India. It demonstrates the growing respect and recognition for female athletes who bring glory to the nation.
This stadium is expected to become a hub for cricket training and tournaments in North Bengal, offering young athletes, especially women, better facilities and opportunities. Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the stadium would symbolize empowerment, equality, and inspiration for future generations.
Government’s Plans and Implementation
The land for the stadium has already been allocated at the Chandmani Tea Estate, and officials have been instructed to begin the planning process. Once completed, the Richa Ghosh Stadium will include state-of-the-art training infrastructure, practice nets, and fitness centers to nurture young cricketing talent.
Authorities expect it to host both domestic and international matches, positioning Siliguri as a prominent sports destination in India.
The cricket community lauded the announcement, calling it a long-overdue recognition of women’s cricket. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly congratulated Richa, saying she has set a benchmark for future generations. He added that the recognition of a female cricketer at such a level is a proud moment for Bengal and the country.
Residents of Siliguri celebrated the news with great enthusiasm. Richa’s family expressed gratitude toward the Chief Minister and shared that this honour will motivate many young girls to take up sports seriously.
Boost to Women’s Cricket in India
The stadium naming signals a new era for women’s cricket in India. It reflects the country’s progress in recognizing female athletes’ achievements and the importance of creating equal opportunities in sports infrastructure.
Sports analysts believe that this initiative will inspire other states to take similar steps in honouring women cricketers and supporting their growth through better facilities and visibility.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The upcoming Richa Ghosh Stadium is expected to serve as a model for future sporting developments in West Bengal. Experts, however, emphasized the importance of proper maintenance, long-term funding, and timely construction to ensure it meets international standards.
Once operational, the stadium will likely host tournaments, training academies, and events that promote women’s participation in sports, strengthening Bengal’s legacy in cricket.
Richa Ghosh’s story is a shining example of how dedication, talent, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success. Becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to have a stadium named after her cements her place in history and highlights India’s changing attitude toward women in sports.
The upcoming Richa Ghosh Stadium in Siliguri will not only celebrate her achievements but also encourage thousands of young girls across the country to dream big and chase success in the world of cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is a stadium being named after Richa Ghosh?
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced this to honour Richa’s contribution to India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 victory. - Is Richa Ghosh the first woman cricketer in India to have a stadium named after her?
Yes, Richa Ghosh is the first Indian woman cricketer to have an entire stadium named after her. - Have other women cricketers in India been honoured similarly?
Yes, Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, Raavi Kalpana, and Sushma Verma have stands or pavilions named after them, but not full stadiums. - Where will the Richa Ghosh Stadium be located?
It will be constructed at the Chandmani Tea Estate in Siliguri, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. - What other honours has Richa received from the West Bengal government?
Richa has been awarded the Banga Bhushan and appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) for her achievements in cricket.
