New Delhi: In a heartwarming ceremony at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic maiden ICC Women’s World Cup triumph.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the team, which clinched a 52-run victory over South Africa in Navi Mumbai on November 2, was celebrated for its resilience and skill. Modi praised their remarkable comeback after early tournament setbacks, highlighting iconic moments like Amanjot Kaur’s juggling catch in the final, quipping, “You saw the ball while catching, but the trophy afterward.”
Harmanpreet, reflecting on her 2017 meeting with Modi when India lost the final, expressed pride in returning as champions. She asked Modi how he stays grounded in the present, to which he replied it’s a way of life. Smriti Mandhana lauded Modi’s encouragement, noting its impact on women excelling across fields. Deepti Sharma, Player of the Match for her 58 runs and five wickets in the final, recalled Modi’s 2017 advice to persevere, which fuelled her dream realisation. Kranti Gaur shared her brother’s admiration for Modi, prompting an impromptu invitation from the PM.
Modi urged the team to champion the Fit India movement, addressing rising obesity concerns, especially among girls. The event, marked by smiles and shared memories, saw players like Shafali Verma (87 runs, two wickets) and Richa Ghosh (34 off 24) celebrated for their pivotal roles. The meeting underscored the team’s legacy as an inspiration for future champions, cementing their place in Indian cricket history.