Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for their remarkable comeback and victory in the World Cup. During a meeting at his residence, he praised the players for their determination and mental strength after facing early defeats and online criticism. He said their performance was an inspiring example of resilience and national pride.
Team’s Interaction with the Prime Minister
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled their previous meeting with the Prime Minister after the 2017 World Cup and expressed happiness at finally meeting him with the trophy this time. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said the Prime Minister’s encouragement served as a great motivation for the entire team. The players presented him with a jersey bearing the name “NAMO”.
Moments of Inspiration and Lighter Conversations
Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma told the Prime Minister she had been eager to meet him since 2017, remembering how he had motivated them to keep working hard toward their dream. When Modi mentioned her “Jai Shri Ram” Instagram bio and her Hanuman tattoo, Deepti said they gave her strength. Harmanpreet asked how he managed to always stay present and focused, to which Modi replied that it had become a way of life for him.
The Prime Minister also recalled key moments from the team’s journey, such as Harleen Deol’s stunning catch against England in 2021 and Amanjot Kaur’s juggling catch in the World Cup final, which he humorously said must have made her think about the trophy immediately after catching the ball. He fondly mentioned how Harmanpreet pocketed the ball after the final match, calling it a memorable gesture
Encouragement for Future Generations
During the meeting, Modi urged the players to promote the Fit India initiative and inspire young girls to take up sports. He expressed concern about the growing issue of obesity and highlighted the need for an active lifestyle. He encouraged the team to visit their former schools and motivate students to pursue fitness and sports
A Defining Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
The Harmanpreet-led team returned to New Delhi two days after their historic 52-run win against South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai, securing India’s maiden 50-over World Cup title. This achievement marked a turning point in Indian women’s cricket as the team became only the fourth side in the world to lift the ODI trophy. The players will now return to their hometowns, while Shafali Verma will travel to Nagaland to lead the North Zone team in the upcoming Inter-Zonal T20 tournament.
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