'When I started, no one saw sports as a career' - Harmanpreet Kaur speaks about her cricketing journey

Harmanpreet Kaur is set to lead India in the T20 World Cup in the UAE next month. Ahead of the marquee event, the legendary cricketer spoke about the challenges she faced in her journey in the sport. She came from a place where cricket had very little presence and it only made her journey more difficult.

India start their campaign in the T20 World Cup on October 4 as they take on New Zealand. Meanwhile, on October 6, they will go head-to-head with age-old rivals Pakistan. The Women in Blue will also have to take on teams like Australia and Sri Lanka in Group A of the competition. Harmanpreet, who led India to the semi-finals in the previous edition, said that her family's support was crucial in helping her realise her dreams.

“It has been a beautiful journey. I come from a city where there was no cricket, and playing cricket professionally was not easy for me. But my family supported me a lot, and today, when I look back, it feels good. A lot of people appreciate it,” Harmanpreet said while speaking on Star Sports.

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Now parents want their kids to play well and choose sports as a career: Harmanpreet

Harmanpreet expressed her happiness seeing how parents nowadays are willing to let their children take up sports as a career.

“When I started, no one saw sports as a career. But now, parents want their kids to play well and choose sports as a career. The way parents think has changed, and it feels good to see that. In the past, only a few parents encouraged their kids in sports, but now, regardless of what they do, parents take pride if their child excels in sports. I think that is a big change,” Harmanpreet stated.

The right-handed batter also said that playing team sports gives a chance to players to interact with people from different states and learn about their cultures.

“People from various states share the dressing room, and you get to learn about their cultures. I think you can only experience that in sports, not in any other career. It is a beautiful feeling. All the girls on the team are really nice and humple. It feels great to share the dressing room with them and play cricket together,” she added.