.Sep 17, 2024, 09:18 PM ETWASHINGTON-- Billie Jean Master will definitely come to be the very first specific females's professional athlete to be rewarded the Congressional Gold Medal.Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and also Mikie Sherrill of New Shirt announced Tuesday that their bipartisan legislation had passed the House of Agents as well as would be delivered to Head of state Joe Biden for his signature.The expense to recognize King, the ping pong Hallway of Famer and also lobbyist, had actually currently passed all in the Senate.Sherrill, a Democrat, claimed in a claim that Master's "lifetime of campaigning for and also effort transformed the yard for girls and also ladies on the court, in the class, and also the work environment." The expense was actually offered in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of Master's triumph over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexual activities," still the most-watched ping pong suit of perpetuity. The award, rewarded by Congress for notable success and contributions to community, has recently been provided to professional athletes, including pitcher Jackie Robinson as well as Roberto Clemente as well as golf enthusiasts Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Arnold Palmer.King had actually been granted the Governmental Award of Flexibility in 2009. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, claims she possesses "damaged obstacles, led unexplored courses, as well as inspired numerous individuals to stand happily with nerve and sentiment in the fight for what corrects.".