New Delhi: Wednesday afternoon brought special guests to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi. The World Cup champion Indian women’s cricket team arrived to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting had several heartwarming moments.
Remember that November 2 night when India crushed South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai to script history? Forty thousand spectators roared as the tricolor waved on the field and the girls danced with joy.
What the Prime Minister said was most significant. He pointed out how despite losing three initial matches in the tournament and getting heavily trolled on social media, the team never lost courage. That’s the real hallmark of champions.
The meeting also had an interesting moment. The girls gifted PM a special jersey with ‘Namo 1’ printed on the back. Photos clearly show how lovingly Modi held it.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur refreshed an old memory. Eight years ago in 2017, when they lost the Lord’s final, they had met the PM then too. That time their hands were empty; today they had the trophy.
During the conversation, the PM mentioned some memorable cricket moments. Harleen Deol’s spectacular 2021 catch, and then Amanjot’s catch in the final that slipped several times but was finally held.
Amanjot laughingly said this is the only mistake she loves watching repeatedly. Modi ji joked in a playful tone – “While taking the catch, your eyes must have been on the ball, but afterwards they went straight to the cup, didn’t they!”
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana spoke from her heart. She said – The Prime Minister has always been an inspiration. She had hammered an impressive 434 runs in the World Cup.
Deepti Sharma shared what PM told them in 2017 – Just keep working hard, your dream will definitely come true. And look, that dream materialized.
Another interesting incident occurred. As soon as young bowler Kranti Gaud mentioned that her brother is a huge fan of the PM, Modi ji immediately said – “Oh then call him too, let’s meet!”
The Prime Minister also made an appeal to the girls. He said – Spread the ‘Fit India’ message across the country, especially among girls. Obesity is increasing, fitness is essential. Go to your respective schools and inspire children.
Late Sunday night when the victory happened, PM had written on X – “Spectacular win in the World Cup final. The skill and confidence in the game was amazing. Teamwork throughout the tournament was outstanding.”
There’s also a reward of Rs 51 crore coming from BCCI. A golden era has begun for Indian women’s cricket.
Also Read | From Train Floors to World Champions: Indian Women’s Cricket’s Extraordinary Journey
