New Delhi, Nov 6: The sun was shining bright over Rashtrapati Bhavan this Wednesday afternoon, but nothing could match the radiance on the faces of India’s newest sporting heroes. Dressed in crisp navy blue blazers with winner medals dangling from their necks, the Women in Blue walked into the President’s residence carrying more than just a trophy – they carried the dreams of a billion people.
President Droupadi Murmu, elegant in a pink saree, welcomed each player with warmth that felt less ceremonial and more maternal. When the captain stepped forward with the gleaming World Cup trophy, you could see the President’s eyes light up with unmistakable pride.
When Underdogs Became Champions
You’ve done something extraordinary,”
President Murmu began, her voice carrying across the Mughal Gardens.
You didn’t just win a tournament. You changed what people believe is possible.”
She was talking about THAT match – the final against Australia. Seven-time champions. Undefeated throughout the tournament. The team everyone feared. “And you didn’t just beat them,” the President continued, almost relishing the memory,
you dominated them. That kind of performance doesn’t come from talent alone. It comes from belief.”
The players stood listening, some smiling, some fighting back tears. These were the same girls who’d been written off by critics just weeks ago. The same team that faced questions about their readiness. Now they stood at Rashtrapati Bhavan being celebrated by the nation’s First Citizen.
More Than Just A Team
What struck President Murmu most was the diversity of the squad standing before her. “Look at yourselves,” she told them.
You come from villages and cities, from different states, different languages, different backgrounds. Some of you had everything, some fought for every opportunity. But on that field, none of that mattered. You were just Team India.”
It wasn’t a scripted political statement. You could tell she meant it. Because this team really does represent India in ways previous teams haven’t. There are players who trained on rough village grounds and those from elite academies. Players who speak Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali. Yet when they walk onto the pitch wearing that blue jersey, they’re unified.
Sleepless Nights and Morning Glories
The President then touched upon something rarely discussed – the mental toll of high-pressure cricket.
I can imagine the nights,” she said softly.
Lying awake, replaying shots, worrying about the next match. The fear of letting down your teammates, your country.”
Several players nodded. One wiped her eyes quickly.
But you didn’t let those fears control you,”
President Murmu added, her tone shifting to one of admiration.
After that New Zealand match, the whole country knew. We knew our daughters wouldn’t falter. We knew you’d bring it home.”
Everyone Played Their Part
In a thoughtful gesture, President Murmu made sure to acknowledge everyone – not just the players. She thanked the coaches by name, mentioned the support staff, even talked about the families who sacrificed time with their daughters so the nation could celebrate.
Cricket might look like eleven players on a field,”
she observed,
but behind those eleven are dozens of people working in shadows. Today, we honor all of them.”
The head coach, standing at the back, looked visibly moved.
Gifts and Goodbyes
The formal part over, things became more relaxed. Players showed President Murmu the trophy up close. One cricketer presented a signed team jersey – blue with “INDIA” emblazoned across it, covered in autographs. The President held it up, examining each signature with genuine interest.
“This is going in my office,” she declared, and everyone laughed.
As the team prepared to leave, President Murmu offered one final piece of advice:
Keep winning, but don’t forget your studies. Champions on the field, scholars off it – that’s what I want to see.”
Walking out of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the players looked different than when they’d entered. The weight of responsibility seemed lighter somehow. They’d been validated at the highest level. The President of India had told them they mattered, their journey mattered, their victory mattered.
For these young women, many from humble backgrounds, being received at Rashtrapati Bhavan wasn’t just protocol. It was proof that sport can truly change lives, break barriers, and rewrite destinies.
As their bus pulled away from the Presidential Palace, you could hear them singing inside. Champions celebrating with their President. Could there be a more perfect ending to a perfect campaign?
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