Legends Mithali Raj and PR Sreejesh honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards
LUCKNOW: In a moment that defined the eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025, the legendary duo of Mithali Raj and PR Sreejesh were conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was presented to them by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The ceremony in Lucknow stood still to applaud two titans who didn’t just play their respective sports but fundamentally transformed how those sports are perceived in India.For over two decades, Mithali Raj was the North Star of Indian women’s cricket. From her record-breaking debut as a teenager to leading India to two World Cup finals, her journey was one of defiance and grace.
As the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, Mithali’s legacy transcends statistics; she was the catalyst for the professionalisation of the women’s game in India.Her Lifetime Achievement recognition at TOISA 2025 honours the “Lady Bradman” not just for her 10,000-plus international runs, but for being the pioneer who proved that cricket in India is a gender-neutral passion.“I couldn’t watch the final two overs due to nervousness and kept walking in the corridors.
I realised India had won when the entire stadium erupted in cheers. I missed the winning moment, but I’m happy we crossed the line,” said Mithali Raj on the Indian women’s team’s historic ODI World Cup win.If Mithali was the architect of a new era, PR Sreejesh was the guardian of a resurgence. The “Great Wall of India” stood between the posts during the most critical decade of Indian hockey. From the historic bronze in Tokyo to the defence of that medal in Paris, Sreejesh’s career was a masterclass in resilience. His leadership and vocal presence on the turf inspired a generation of goalkeepers and restored India’s status as a global hockey powerhouse.The dual honour highlights the theme of TOISA 2025: “More Sweat, More Glory.” Both Mithali and Sreejesh began their journeys at a time when their sports lacked the infrastructure and limelight they enjoy today. By awarding them the Lifetime Achievement trophy, TOISA recognises the decades of “sweat” that paved the way for the “glory” of today’s champions.
