Watch | Richa Ghosh receives ‘Red-carpet’ welcome in Siliguri:Sourav Ganguly Jhulan Goswami set to honour India wicket-keeper batter with golden bat

India’s World Cup–winning star Richa Ghosh received a rousing welcome as she returned home to Siliguri on Friday. The young wicketkeeper-batter from Bengal landed at Bagdogra Airport, where hundreds of fans had gathered to celebrate their hometown hero. With drums beating, cheers echoing, and flags waving, Richa was greeted like a champion. From the airport, she rode in an open jeep to Siliguri, smiling and waving to the massive crowd that lined the streets to catch a glimpse of her. Speaking to reporters, a delighted Richa said, “It feels wonderful!” Her joy was mirrored by fans, many of whom carried posters and wore T-shirts with her picture. For Siliguri, it was a day of pride, celebration, and gratitude for the player who helped bring the World Cup home. The celebrations won’t stop in Siliguri. On Saturday, Richa will be felicitated in Kolkata, marking another proud moment in her remarkable journey from a small-town girl to a global cricket champion. Siliguru welcomes Ghosh with ‘Red-carpet’ honour The entire city wore a festive look, with banners, hoardings, and lights celebrating Richa’s triumph. Her one-day visit was packed with events, as several local organisations arranged felicitation programs throughout the day. Mayor Gautam Deb was among the first to visit her home, before attending a grand civic reception organised by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation at Baghajatin Park. The route from Richa’s house in Subhaspally to Baghajatin Park, a 200-meter stretch, was laid with a red carpet for her ceremonial procession. Local women cricketers stood along the path, forming a guard of honour with raised bats to salute the champion. The sound of drums and chants of her name filled the air as she made her way through the jubilant crowd. Sourav, Jhulan to honour Richa with golden bat As part of her felicitation, Richa Ghosh will be presented with a gold-plated bat and ball by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to honour her “exceptional contribution to Indian cricket.” The mementoes, signed by Sourav Ganguly and Jhulan Goswami, carry special emotional value, symbolising Bengal’s pride in one of its brightest young stars. CAB president Sourav Ganguly praised Richa’s ‘remarkable talent, composure, and fighting spirit,’ saying the gesture is meant to inspire future cricketers from the state. CAB described Richa as a “shining example of determination and fearless play,” highlighting her journey from Siliguri to the world stage as a model for aspiring players. The honour also reflects CAB’s commitment to promoting women’s cricket and youth development in Bengal. For Richa, the felicitation at Eden Gardens will be both a homecoming and a career milestone, marking her rise from a local prodigy to a global champion. Home lunch features Richa’s favourite dishes At Baghajatin Park, Richa was officially felicitated by both the Siliguri Municipal Corporation and the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Sports Council. The event saw emotional moments, with fans expressing pride in the cricketer who has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for young girls in Bengal. Back home, her mother prepared a special lunch featuring Richa’s favourites: fried rice, chilli chicken, chilli paneer, and a selection of traditional sweets. Later in the evening, she was scheduled to visit the Baghajatin Athletic Club, the very ground where her cricket journey began as a young girl.