Madhuri Mehta - Pride of Odisha

Madhuri Mehta is the first woman cricketer from Odisha and Balangir to be selected for the national women’s cricket team. Madhuri played a few matches in the West Indies tour. Although she failed to achieve anything, still drew some attention worldwide. Madhuri also became the first international cricketer from the state to represent the country.

Odisha may not be a rich state but it is confirmed that ‘Odisha produces talented people’. Moving one step forward, Balangir is also deserves credit which has created scores of talents. Today, Odia scientists are part of NASA, world’s apex organization/institution in space research.

Odisha (Titlagarh of Balangir district) born distinguished scientist Sam Pitroda is currently the Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations, who is also widely considered to have been responsible for India’s communications revolution.

Again, Sniti Mishra from Balangir in Orissa has also made a big buzz on Zee TV's music reality show, 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar'. And now it is time for Madhuri Mehta from Balangir again to move forward.

Although Madhuri’s grand parents’ origin goes back to Gujarat, Madhuri was born and brought up in Balangir.  Since generations her Parental family is living in Balangir. Again, Madhuri’s mother Arati Mishra is from Patnagarh and she hails from a typical Odia Brahmin family. Summing up all these, it epithets Madhuri a typical ‘Balangiria’.

Her father Pradip Mehta is also a well known cricketer and Madhuri has stated in many occasions about the all-round support from her family, District Coach Mr. Arun and Balangir District Sport Association. Unfortunately, whenever Odisha is discussed in international scenario, so far only the dark side has been focused which includes the starvation death, farmers’ suicide, child selling for livelihood and natural calamities.

But, perhaps this is the first occasion when Odisha would be discussed for sport (women’s’ cricket) during the upcoming West Indies series, where Madhuri is expected to play in the matches. Madhuri is an inborn talented batswoman who has already proved her potentiality in the state level and Zonal matches. Captain of the Bolangir district women cricket team and middle-order bats woman Madhuri has hitherto scored 72 as her best against Uttar Pradesh at Ahmadabad.

Madhuri has been poured with compliments from her fans and well wishers from all corners of Odisha. The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has awarded her a cash incentive of Rs 1 lakh as a token of appreciation. Yesterday on 8th Feb Madhuri was also felicitated by the Balangir Citizens’ Committee following a grand rally in the town to celebrate her success.

We, at Breaking news Online, also commend Madhuri Mehta’s achievements and wish her all the best for the forthcoming West Indies series and her whole cricket life.