Indian cricketer Sajana Sajeevan has been conferred with the Youth Icon Award 2024-25 by the Kerala Youth Commission, in recognition of her outstanding work in the world of cricket.
Honored by the government, this award acknowledges her persistent hard work, determination, and brilliance in the world of cricket. A promising star in the cricketing history of Indian women, Sajana has proved herself time and again on the pitch, drawing praise for her performances and giving inspiration to hundreds of young sportspersons. Her life, which was filled with labor and perseverance, is a tribute to the strength of passion and perseverance.
In the second edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Sajeevan came into immediate spotlight as she smashed a confident last-ball six to propel her team to an enthralling victory against the Delhi Capitals. Prior to the game, her parents couldn’t hold back their tears when their daughter informed them that she will receive her maiden WPL cap for the then defending champions Mumbai Indians.
The 30-year-old’s father, an autorickshaw driver, and Sharada, a panchayat councillor and accountant, were engrossed in day-to-day problems, including financial issues, when Sajana initially took up the sport of cricket.
Nevertheless, their finances rendered it a challenge for them to embrace the desires of their daughter actively. “Our income was not really that big enough to fund her sporting activities and travelling for tournaments,” said the cricketer’s father.
Her father mentioned that she had always been passionate about cricket and would often play in the paddy field near their home using a coconut petiole with her friends and relatives. He recalled that one day she met former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir at the Krishnagiri Stadium and received an autographed bat from him. It was at that moment they truly recognized her deep passion for the sport. Elsamma Baby, the Physical Education teacher at the local government school, also encouraged them to support her sporting ambitions.
The tables turned when Sanjana was selected to play for her district in Under-19 tournaments, eventually helping her to earn a minimal but encouraging amount of money from the passion in which she and her family had instilled faith in.
In the inaugural auction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Sajana was unsuccessful in bagging a deal on the auction table, bringing disappointment to her. However, as destiny unfolded, she secured a deal at INR 15 Lakhs, from a base price of 5 lakhs, in the following year.
Repaying the trust of the management, the big-hitter went on for a slog against Alice Capsey, sending it over the ropes in an edge-of-the-seat thriller, sending the entire team in a moment of pure joy and jubilation.
Beyond her success on the field, Sajana’s commitment to the game and her ability to break barriers in a competitive space make her a true role model.
The Youth Icon Award not only honours her personal achievements but also recognises the broader influence she has had in promoting participation in sports among the youth. Through this award, she continues to set an example for the future generation of athletes, demonstrating that talent and hard work can take one to great heights.
(Inputs sourced from Sportstar)
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