India’s triumphant women’s cricket team, fresh from their historic World Cup victory, received a grand felicitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on Wednesday. The meeting was not just a celebration of their hard-earned glory, but also an acknowledgment of the courage, composure, and determination that carried them from early setbacks to ultimate success on the world stage.

A Victory Beyond Boundaries

Three days after scripting history with a commanding 52-run win over South Africa in the Women’s ODI World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the team — led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur — arrived in the national capital. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and pride as the players, coaches, and BCCI officials made their way to the Prime Minister’s residence, carrying the gleaming World Cup trophy that symbolized years of perseverance and dreams fulfilled.

The absence of an open-top bus parade was more than compensated by the warm, personal recognition from the country’s highest office. For a sport long fighting for equal recognition, this meeting was a powerful statement — the State officially acknowledging a moment that had shifted the balance of Indian cricket towards its women.

Prime Minister’s Heartfelt Congratulations

Prime Minister Modi congratulated the squad, their coaching staff, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, calling their triumph a testament to “grit, mental toughness, and an unyielding spirit.” He lauded the team for their remarkable resilience, particularly after a challenging start to the tournament marked by three consecutive defeats and harsh social media criticism.

“What makes this victory special,” the Prime Minister said, “is how you responded to adversity. Your comeback after setbacks shows the strength of your character and the power of belief.”

The Prime Minister also took a personal interest in recalling the highlights of the team’s journey — from Harleen Deol’s stunning boundary catch against England in 2021 to Amanjot Kaur’s juggling but successful catch in the final. “While catching, you must have been seeing the ball,” he said with a smile, “but after catching it, you must have been seeing the trophy.”

The players responded with laughter and pride, soaking in the moment that crowned their years of hard work.

The Emotional Reunion: From 2017 to 2025

For captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the moment carried deep nostalgia. She reminded the Prime Minister of their earlier meeting in 2017 — a visit made without the trophy. “This time,” she said joyfully, “we have met you with the trophy in hand. Now we wish to meet you more often!”

Her words resonated with every teammate, many of whom had been part of that earlier squad. The memory of that unfulfilled dream made this reunion even more meaningful.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared her admiration for the Prime Minister’s motivating presence. “He has been an inspiration for all of us,” she said. “Girls across India are doing well in all fields today, and much of that comes from the encouragement and belief instilled by our leaders.”

Deepti Sharma: Faith, Focus, and Fulfilment

Deepti Sharma, the all-rounder who was named Player of the Tournament, shared that she had been eagerly waiting for this moment. Recalling their 2017 interaction, she said, “PM Modi had then told us to keep working hard towards our dreams — and now, it feels incredible to have fulfilled that.”

During their conversation, the Prime Minister mentioned Deepti’s “Jai Shri Ram” Instagram bio and the Hanuman tattoo etched on her arm, symbols of her deep-rooted faith. Smiling, Deepti said that her belief gives her inner strength and clarity during pressure moments — a quality that reflected throughout the World Cup.

The Fit India Message and Staying Grounded

Captain Harmanpreet also posed a personal question to the Prime Minister, asking how he manages to always stay grounded and live in the moment despite his immense responsibilities. The Prime Minister’s answer was simple yet profound: “It has become a habit. Living in the present helps you focus and stay calm, no matter how big the challenge.”

He encouraged the champions to carry forward the message of Fit India, especially among young girls. “Fitness is not just about sports,” he emphasized. “It is about discipline, energy, and a healthy lifestyle. You must inspire the next generation to take up physical activity and sports.”

The Prime Minister expressed concern about the growing problem of obesity and urged the players to visit schools and share their stories, motivating students to prioritize health and fitness.

Behind the Celebration: A Journey of Perseverance

The players’ arrival in Delhi on Tuesday evening marked the start of a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket. At the airport and their hotel, fans and officials greeted them with cheers and tricolours. On Wednesday afternoon, the squad — including stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Amanjot Kaur — left for 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, their convoy led by the World Cup trophy gleaming under the winter sun.

Security was tight, but the atmosphere inside was warm and familial. PM Modi interacted with each player, asking about their experience, challenges, and memories from the campaign. The conversation reflected genuine curiosity and respect, blending humor, mentorship, and admiration.

The Prime Minister’s interactions brought alive key highlights of India’s World Cup journey — from Harmanpreet’s explosive batting to Shafali’s fearless aggression and Mandhana’s consistency. He praised the collective effort that turned heartbreaks of the past into historic triumph.

‘Namo 1’: A Special Gift for the Prime Minister

As a gesture of gratitude, the Indian women’s cricket team presented Prime Minister Modi with a special signed jersey bearing the name “Namo 1.” The jersey, signed by every member of the squad, symbolized the team’s respect and affection for the Prime Minister, who has consistently championed India’s athletes.

The presentation of the jersey was followed by photographs — images that will likely become part of Indian sporting history. Standing proudly with the trophy and the Prime Minister, the players radiated the joy of a team that had not only conquered the cricket field but also the hearts of millions.

Modi’s Reflections on Memorable Moments

During the interaction, PM Modi reminisced about some of the most talked-about moments from India’s women’s cricket timeline. He recalled Harleen Deol’s extraordinary catch against England in 2021 — a moment he had personally posted about on social media. He also mentioned how Harmanpreet had pocketed the match ball after the World Cup final, to which she responded modestly, “I was lucky the ball came to me, so I kept it.”

The Prime Minister’s attention to such details underscored his genuine interest in the team’s journey and the evolution of women’s cricket in India.

A Symbolic Meeting with Far-Reaching Impact

While there may have been no open-bus parade or public celebration, the meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence became the nation’s most significant stage to honour this historic win. For the players, walking through the corridors of power with medals around their necks was both a recognition of achievement and a symbol of how far women’s cricket had come.

From the deafening cheers at DY Patil Stadium to the quiet dignity of 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the journey reflected a full circle — from aspiration to acknowledgment, from dreams to destiny.

Words That Inspire a Generation

The meeting also had moments of light-hearted exchange. When Kranti Gaud mentioned that her brother was an ardent fan of the Prime Minister, Modi smiled and extended an open invitation for them to visit. It was a small but heartfelt gesture that added warmth to the formal event.

Vice-captain Mandhana reiterated that the Prime Minister’s encouragement had not only motivated the team but also inspired countless girls across the nation. “Women today are shining in sports, science, business, and every sphere,” she said. “It’s a sign of a confident and empowered India.”

A Historic Win That Redefined Indian Women’s Cricket

India’s victory at the 2025 Women’s World Cup is being hailed as a watershed moment for the sport. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy, the team displayed unmatched courage, strategy, and unity — finally turning years of near-misses into a golden chapter of history. The win not only cemented India’s place among the world’s elite but also opened doors for a new generation of young girls to dream big.

As the meeting concluded, the players prepared to head to their respective hometowns — except for Shafali Verma, who was set to travel to Nagaland to lead the North Zone side in the upcoming Inter-Zonal T20 tournament.

The Prime Minister’s words echoed as they departed: “You have made the country proud. Carry forward the message of fitness, confidence, and perseverance. The nation stands with you.”

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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