Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the ICC Women’s World Cup-winning Indian cricket team on Wednesday at his residence, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.
The Indian side, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, arrived in formal attire with their winner’s medals proudly displayed.
PM Modi congratulated the team for their remarkable comeback after early setbacks in the tournament and praised their determination in overcoming criticism and self-doubt.
The Indian team had landed in New Delhi on Tuesday following their stunning 52-run victory over South Africa in the World Cup final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
The win ended India’s long wait for a major ICC trophy and ignited celebrations across the nation.
A Warm and Candid Interaction
During the meeting, Harmanpreet Kaur fondly recalled their 2017 meeting with the Prime Minister, noting that this time they came bearing the trophy.
“We hope to meet you more often—with more trophies,” she said with a smile.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared how PM Modi’s motivation has been an inspiration for the entire team, adding that his encouragement has helped young girls in India believe in their potential.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament, reminisced about PM Modi’s earlier advice to ‘keep working hard to achieve your dreams’.
The Prime Minister also mentioned her ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Instagram post and the Lord Hanuman tattoo on her arm, to which she responded that it gives her strength and focus.
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The conversation was filled with light-hearted moments. Harmanpreet asked PM Modi how he manages to stay grounded in the present.
He replied that living in the moment has become a part of his nature. PM Modi recalled Harleen Deol’s acrobatic catch in 2021 and Harmanpreet’s act of pocketing the match ball after the final, which drew laughter from the team.
The Prime Minister also discussed seam-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur’s famous juggling catch, joking, “While catching, you must be seeing the ball—but after catching, you must be seeing the trophy!”
Encouraging Fitness and Inspiration
Fast bowler Kranti Gaud told the Prime Minister that her brother was a big fan, prompting PM Modi to invite the family to meet him. He urged the team to promote the Fit India movement, especially among schoolgirls, and emphasised the importance of physical fitness to combat obesity and lifestyle-related illnesses.
Pratika Rawal, recovering from an ankle injury that kept her out of the knockouts, attended the meeting in a wheelchair and received special words of encouragement from the Prime Minister.
PM Modi’s heartfelt interaction with the world champions quickly went viral, with social media users applauding his genuine warmth and the players’ joyous spirit.
Congratulating them earlier on social media, he wrote, “A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence.”
A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our players. This…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 2, 2025
This memorable meeting not only celebrated India’s cricketing glory but also reflected the growing strength and spirit of women in Indian sports.
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