Following their historic victory in the ODI World Cup, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian women’s cricket team on Wednesday at his official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg.
Dressed in elegant formal attire and wearing the winner’s medals around their necks, Modi congratulated the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team on their historic accomplishment and praised their incredible tournament comeback following a run of three league stage losses and the trolling they had experienced on social media.
Under strict security, the Indian team arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a planned meeting with Prime Minister Modi. In the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final, which took place at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, the team defeated South Africa by 52 runs, ending their wait for a significant ICC title.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting Prime Minister Modi in 2017 without the trophy, and now that they were meeting him with it, she said the side hopes to see him more frequently.
According to Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana, PM Modi has inspired and motivated them all. She further mentioned how PM Modi’s initiatives have contributed to females’ success in various professions today.
Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma remembered their encounter in 2017 when PM Modi told them to keep working hard so they could fulfill their aspirations. She stated she had been longing to see him.
PM Modi also mentioned Deepti Sharma’s tattoo of Bhagwan Hanuman on her arm, to which the all-rounder responded that it gives her strength, and the fact that she wrote Jai Shri Ram on her Instagram account.
PM Modi was questioned by Harmanpreet how he stays in the present at all times. PM Modi responded that this has been a part of his life and has become second nature to him. He also recalled Harleen Deol’s iconic catch against England in 2021, which he had shared on social media at the time. He went on to explain how Harmanpreet pocketed the ball following the last game. She responded by saying she was fortunate to have the ball and to have preserved it.
PM Modi talked about seam bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur’s now-famous catch, which she made following multiple fumbles. She mentioned that she enjoys watching fumbles like this one. Prime Minister Modi stated: “While catching you must be seeing the ball, but after the catch, you must be seeing the trophy.”
When fast bowler Kranti Gaud revealed that her brother is a huge fan of PM Modi, he promptly extended an invitation for them to meet. PM Modi requested that the Indian team spread the Fit India message, particularly to girls nationwide.
Additionally, he talked about the rising issue of obesity and emphasized the value of being in shape. Additionally, he asked them to visit their schools and inspire young people there. Wheelchair-bound Pratika Rawal, who missed the knockout stages because of an ankle injury sustained in the postponed match against Bangladesh, was also there with the team.
One of the first people to congratulate India on winning the World Cup was Prime Minister Modi. “The Indian team’s outstanding victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals.” They had exceptional talent and confidence in their final performance. Throughout the competition, the squad shown remarkable perseverance and teamwork. To our players, congratulations. In his social media post, PM Modi wrote, “This historic victory will inspire future champions to take up sports. #WomensWorldCup2025.”
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