DDCA Honors World Cup Champions at National Convention

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) celebrated the achievements of World Cup winners Pratika Rawal and Udhav Mohan at a recent National Convention. Rawal received a cash award for her role in India's women's ODI World Cup victory, while Mohan was honored for his contributions to the Under-19 team. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley emphasized the importance of recognizing talent to inspire future generations. Both players shared their thoughts on the significance of such recognition in motivating young cricketers. The event also highlighted plans for a new accessible international stadium in Delhi, aiming to make cricket more inclusive.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 15:08 IST

Celebrating Cricket Achievements

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) recognized India's World Cup champions, Pratika Rawal and Udhav Mohan, during the Sports Journalists Federation of India National Convention, organized by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association on Monday.

This recognition was part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the SJFI convention, which brought together administrators, journalists, and athletes to honor accomplishments in Indian sports. During the event, DDCA awarded Rawal, a key player in India's historic women's ODI World Cup victory in 2025, a cash prize of ₹51 lakh. Meanwhile, Mohan, who contributed to the Under-19 World Cup win, received ₹11 lakh.

Importance of Recognition in Sports

At the event, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley emphasized the significance of acknowledging players who have excelled through the Delhi cricket system. He stated, "Recognizing these players is crucial as it inspires many young cricketers who aspire to achieve similar success. We believe that encouragement is vital for nurturing future talent."

Rawal's Emotional Tribute

Rawal expressed her gratitude for the honor, calling it a pivotal moment in her cricketing journey. "Being recognized on such a prominent platform, especially by the DDCA and Rohan sir, is a privilege. I have dedicated much of my career to Delhi cricket, and this recognition is something I will treasure forever," she remarked.

She also highlighted the motivational impact of such recognition on young players, stating, "When you perform well, recognition naturally follows, creating a cycle of motivation and improvement. This will inspire many young athletes, both girls and boys, entering the system."

In the World Cup, Rawal was a standout performer, scoring 308 runs in six innings at an average of 51.33, including a century and a fifty, although she missed the final due to an ankle injury.

Mohan's Early Career Milestone

For Mohan, receiving this recognition marks a significant milestone early in his career. The young cricketer, part of India's Under-19 World Cup-winning team, trains at the West Delhi Cricket Academy under the esteemed coach Rajkumar Sharma, who also mentored Virat Kohli.

"I am grateful to the DDCA for this recognition. It motivates us as cricketers, knowing our association supports our ambitions. It drives me to improve and represent my state and country with pride," Mohan stated.

Reflecting on his journey, he noted, "I have always played for Delhi, starting from the Under-16 team to the Under-19 squad. Delhi's robust selection system ensures that only the best talent emerges."

Mohan participated in one match during the U19 World Cup, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs against Zimbabwe, and has claimed seven wickets in three youth ODIs at an impressive average of 10.00.

DDCA's Future Plans

During the convention, the North Zone team won the JK Bose Inter Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy, and Jaitley announced a cash reward of ₹5 lakh for them.

"The balance between cricket administration and media feedback is crucial. Constructive criticism helps players and administrators identify areas for improvement, which is essential for the sport's growth," he remarked.

Jaitley also shared plans for enhancing cricket infrastructure in Delhi, including the development of a new international stadium focused on accessibility. "Our goal is to create a venue that accommodates individuals with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, and other impairments, ensuring that everyone can enjoy cricket," he concluded.