'This tournament is very important for us' - says Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of the cricket competition in Commonwealth Games

Indian women’s team under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur is all set to feature in the T20 cricket competition at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. Notably, cricket is back in the Commonwealth Games after 24 years since it was first played at CWG 1998 in Malaysia. It was the time when cricket was played in the form of men’s cricket and a 50-over format tournament. The South African team was the one that won the gold medal.

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But now, things will be changed this time for cricket in Birmingham Games. Participants will be the women’s teams of major cricket-playing nations and 20-20 will be the format of the game. Recently, the skipper of the Indian women’s team Harmanpreet Kaur has also talked about the preparations of the team ahead of their inaugural match in the competition against the World champion Australian team.

Kaur said that it is a privilege to be a part of the CWG and make a debut in one of the highest levels of sporting competitions. She also emphasized that the Indian team is surely looking for a medal in the Commonwealth Games.

We will be part of a big event - Harmanpreet Kaur

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“This tournament is very important for us. This time we are playing for a medal. If I speak about myself, we have grown up watching these kinds of tournaments. We are glad that we are also getting an opportunity, we will be part of a big event. I think in the future if we keep getting these (kind of) opportunities, it will be great for us,” Harmanpreet was quoted as saying during a press conference before their departure to Birmingham.

Later on, the right-hander also expressed her feelings about being a part of the multi-sporting competition. Kaur talked about the importance of other teams. She expressed her opinion about the spirit of players to support each medal as they all represent India.

“When you were speaking, I actually felt that I am walking on that (CWG) road. It is because that is what we are talking about. This time we are going to be part of a multi-sporting event. Now it is not only about cricket but other teams also. We will be there for them to cheer up and we want to celebrate each and every medal. This time it will be totally different and we are all very excited,” she added later.