New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hosted India’s victorious Women in Blue at his residence, celebrating their maiden 50-over World Cup win and lauding their “remarkable resilience and comeback” after a challenging start to the tournament.
A Triumph Born of Grit
Harmanpreet Kaur’s team scripted a defining chapter in Indian women’s cricket, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final in Navi Mumbai to lift the coveted trophy — India’s first-ever global title in women’s cricket.
Despite facing heavy trolling on social media following three early defeats, the team rallied back strongly. The Prime Minister praised their composure and determination, saying they had “turned adversity into achievement.”
From 2017 to 2025: A Full-Circle Moment
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled the team’s earlier visit to meet Modi after the 2017 World Cup final loss. “That time, we came without a trophy,” she smiled. “This time, we’re here as champions. Hopefully, we’ll get to meet him more often like this.”
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana called the Prime Minister’s words “a huge source of motivation” for the players as they continue to inspire a new generation of cricketers.
Conversations, Laughs, and Memories
Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma said she had been waiting for this moment since 2017. She shared how Modi’s earlier message — to keep working hard — had stuck with her.
When the Prime Minister mentioned her “Jai Shri Ram” Instagram bio and Hanuman tattoo, Deepti said both were symbols of strength that kept her focused.
The meeting also had its lighter moments. Modi recalled Harleen Deol’s stunning boundary catch against England in 2021, and joked about Amanjot Kaur’s juggling catch in the final, saying, “While catching, you must have been seeing the ball, but after catching it, you must have been seeing the trophy!”
A Message Beyond Cricket
Modi urged the players to promote the Fit India Movement, particularly among young girls, stressing the importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle in an age of growing obesity concerns.
He also extended a warm invitation to Kranti Gaud’s brother, a self-proclaimed fan of the Prime Minister, to meet him personally.
India’s World Cup triumph marks a watershed moment for women’s cricket — a victory years in the making, one that will echo across generations and inspire countless young girls to pick up a bat and dream big.
Discussion about this post