Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian women’s cricket team in New Delhi on Wednesday, days after their historic ICC Women’s World Cup triumph. During the interaction, Modi congratulated the players for their remarkable resilience and mental strength after a difficult start to the tournament.
Recalling the team’s early setbacks and social media trolling after three consecutive defeats, the Prime Minister praised their determination to bounce back and clinch India’s first-ever global title in women’s cricket.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared that unlike their 2017 visit to the Prime Minister’s residence, this time they came carrying the coveted trophy. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said Modi’s words were deeply motivating. Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma expressed her excitement, saying she had been waiting to meet the Prime Minister since 2017. Modi also lightheartedly mentioned Amanjot Kaur’s juggling catch in the final and recalled Harleen Deol’s iconic catch against England in 2021. 
Among the team members was Assam’s Uma Chetry, who represented the Northeast in the historic victory. Her inclusion has drawn immense pride and celebration across Assam, inspiring a new wave of young female cricketers from the region.
The Prime Minister encouraged the players to promote the Fit India initiative and inspire young girls to take up sports. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated South Africa by 52 runs in Navi Mumbai to lift the 50-over World Cup.
After the meeting, the players dispersed to their respective hometowns, with Shafali Verma heading to Nagaland to lead the North Zone in the upcoming Inter-Zonal T20 meet.
