Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious Indian women’s cricket team at his official residence on Wednesday, celebrating their historic win at the ICC Women’s World Cup. The team, which overcame a challenging start with three consecutive losses and faced significant online criticism, made a remarkable comeback to clinch the title. PM Modi lauded their resilience and determination, emphasizing their achievement as a source of national pride. The players presented the Prime Minister with a signed jersey bearing the inscription ‘Namo 1,’ symbolizing their gratitude and unity. The meeting was also attended by Mithun Manhas, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the team’s journey, recalling their previous meeting with PM Modi in 2017 after a heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final. She expressed joy at returning with the trophy this time and hoped for more such interactions in the future. Vice Captain Smriti Mandhana, who emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, credited PM Modi’s motivational words as a driving force behind their success. She highlighted the broader impact of his leadership on empowering women across various fields.
Deepti Sharma, named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her all-round performance, shared her excitement about meeting the Prime Minister again. She recounted his advice from 2017 to persevere and strive for excellence, which she believes played a pivotal role in their eventual triumph. PM Modi also praised Amanjot Kaur for her crucial catch in the final, which dismissed South Africa’s in-form captain Laura Wolvaardt, despite initial fumbles. The meeting underscored the team’s journey from adversity to glory and their role as inspirations for aspiring athletes nationwide.