Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the victorious Indian women’s cricket squad at his official residence, Lok Kalyan Marg, on Wednesday. The fans‑favoured team had just finished an unforgettable 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, beating South Africa 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Modi, who had met the players in 2017, greeted the crew – all decked in elegant formal wear and proudly wearing the trophy‑medals around their necks – and told them how proud he was of their comeback after three early‑tournament losses. “It was a great win and it will inspire the next generation,” he said, adding that every match drawn power from her state.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled her 2017 visit, saying the team now wanted to meet him even more often. Vice‑captain Smriti Mandhana told Modi the prime minister had been a huge motivator for the squad, and the players noted how Modi’s push for women’s empowerment had helped girls shine on the field and off it.
Deepti Sharma, the tournament’s Player of the Match, celebrated reaching the podium and remembered Modi’s words back in 2017: “Keep working hard, and your dreams will come true.” She also mentioned a tattoo and her Instagram shout‑out of “Jai Shri Ram,” to which Modi replied that strength comes from faith.
The premiership stressed the importance of staying present and proud of small wins—mirrored by Harmanpreet’s iconic catch against England in 2021, a moment Modi celebrated on social media. He urged the team to keep that spirit and to spread the “Fit India” message to young girls across the country.
Fast bowler Kranti Gaud shared that her brother loves Modi, and the prime minister welcomed them all to visit schools and encourage youngsters. Though Pratika Rawal was sidelined with an ankle injury, she joined the group in a wheelchair, demonstrating the entire team’s resilience.
Modi posted on social media, “A spectacular win by the Indian women’s team in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final. Their performance showed skill, confidence, teamwork and tenacity. Congratulations to all players. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports. #WomensWorldCup2025.” The message captured the triumph that has already become a national celebration.
Source: ianslive
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