PM Modi Meets Indian Women’s Cricket Team After Historic World Cup Triumph

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the Indian women’s cricket team at his official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, congratulating them on their historic ODI World Cup victory and praising their resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad, dressed smartly in formal attire and proudly wearing their winner’s medals, visited the Prime Minister a day after returning to New Delhi from Mumbai. India ended their long wait for a major ICC trophy by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday.

During the interaction, PM Modi lauded the team for their remarkable comeback after suffering three league-stage defeats and enduring online criticism. “Your determination and spirit have made the nation proud,” he said, commending their fighting spirit and teamwork.

Recalling her earlier meeting with PM Modi in 2017, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur said, “That time we met him without the trophy, but this time we came with it. We hope to meet him many more times like this.”

Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s constant encouragement, saying, “PM Modi has always been a source of inspiration for us. Today, girls are excelling in every field because of the opportunities and motivation created under his leadership.”

Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma shared her excitement about meeting PM Modi again, recalling how he had earlier encouraged the team to keep working hard toward their dreams. During the meeting, Modi also mentioned Deepti’s “Jai Shri Ram” Instagram post and her Hanuman tattoo, to which she replied that it gives her inner strength.

The Prime Minister engaged in light-hearted and inspiring conversations with the players. When Harmanpreet asked how he manages to stay so calm and present, PM Modi replied that it has become a habit through years of practice. He fondly recalled Harleen Deol’s famous 2021 catch against England, which he had once posted about on social media, and also mentioned Harmanpreet’s iconic act of pocketing the final match ball — a gesture she said was pure luck.

Modi also spoke about Amanjot Kaur’s now-famous fumbled yet successful catch, joking, “While catching you must be seeing the ball, but after the catch, you must be seeing the trophy.”

Fast bowler Kranti Gaud told PM Modi that her brother is an ardent fan, prompting the Prime Minister to invite them to meet in person. He urged the team to promote the Fit India Movement, especially among young girls, and highlighted the growing challenge of obesity. “Visit your schools and inspire students to stay active and healthy,” he advised.

Injured player Pratika Rawal, who missed the knockout stages due to an ankle injury, also attended the meeting in a wheelchair.

PM Modi was among the first to congratulate the team after their World Cup victory, posting on social media:

“A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance was marked by great skill and confidence. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our players. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports. #WomensWorldCup2025.”

The interaction concluded with PM Modi posing for photographs with the victorious squad, marking a celebratory moment for Indian cricket and a proud day for the nation.