Name Hindi: अंजुम चोपड़ा / Gender Woman
Anjum Chopra: An Icon of Women’s Cricket in India
Anjum Chopra is a household name in Indian women’s cricket. Born on 20th May, 1977, she is widely celebrated for her outstanding contributions as a cricketer and commentator. Holding an impressive international career spanning over two decades (1995-2012), Anjum has indeed left an indelible mark on the world of cricket.
Career Highlights
- Made her One day International (ODI) debut against New Zealand Women at Christchurch in February 1995
- Became captain of the Indian team towards the end of 2006 and led them to their first ever test series win in England in August 2006
- Scored over half-a-century in Test cricket, making her one among only eight women cricketers from India to achieve this feat
- Awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 2014 for her extraordinary commitment to sports and inspiring the next generation of female crickets
Contributions Post Retirement
Despite retiring from professional cricket, Anjum continues to carry forward her passion for cricket. She turned into a prolific sports presenter and commentator post retirement and offers critical analysis on many leading networks including Star Sports. Being proficiently bilingual, she comments both in Hindi and English which further amplifies her versatility.
Early Life and Recognition
Born into a Jat family with military background in Delhi, Anjum graduated from St. Stephen’s College under University of Delhi where she pursued History Honors Degree.
She was awarded with Arjuna Award for her exceptional talent and achievements in cricket by the Government of India in 2007.
Legacy
In terms of legacy, Anjum Chopra is to Indian female cricket what Kapil Dev was to the men’s game. She not only raised the profile of women’s cricket across a nation where cricket fuels passion but also established herself as an icon that young girls can look up to. Over the course of her career, she meticulously worked on amplifying her skills as a diligent left-handed batsman and precise medium-pacer with indomitable spirit who shone in every match bringing laurels to her motherland.
Bottom line
An iconic figure and undoubtedly one of India’s finest sportswomen, Anjum helped pave the way for future generations of cricketers. Her illustrious career serves as proof that dedication and resilience can help overcome all obstacles. In recognition of this contribution towards promoting women’s participation in sports, particularly Cricket, she continues being an inspiration and has been bestowed upon numerous honors and accolades.
