For India’s new Women’s World Champions, the journey from the roaring stands of DY Patil Stadium to the quiet, high-security lanes of 7 Lok Kalyan Marg was more than a change of scenery—it was a moment of national acknowledgment. The meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the country’s official recognition of a campaign that has redefined Indian cricket’s center of gravity—placing its women firmly in the spotlight.
Three days after scripting history with a 52-run victory over South Africa in the Women’s ODI World Cup final, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team walked into the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi, carrying the World Cup trophy and wearing their gold medals with pride.
A Formal Salute to a Historic Triumph
Prime Minister Modi hosted the World Cup-winning squad, along with their support staff and senior BCCI officials, at his official residence on Wednesday evening. The interaction came following a formal invitation from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to honour the champions.
The team, who had landed in Delhi on Tuesday, were welcomed by jubilant fans and cricket officials at their hotel. On Wednesday afternoon, the champions—including Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues—left together for 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, with the glittering trophy as the centerpiece of their convoy. Tight security surrounded the area as the players arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence.
Inside, PM Modi congratulated the players for their historic achievement and praised their resilience, teamwork, and belief throughout the tournament. “You have given new energy and pride to the nation. This is not just a victory in cricket—it’s a victory for every Indian girl who dreams,” the Prime Minister told the squad, as per sources.
Moments of Reflection and Celebration
The Prime Minister posed for group photographs with the full team and the trophy—images already being hailed as a new chapter in Indian cricket’s visual history.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting the PM after the 2017 final loss, noting how meaningful it was to return now, trophy in hand.
For the players, the meeting marked the emotional culmination of an intense 72-hour stretch that began with the final in Navi Mumbai, continued through media appearances and receptions, and ended with the nation’s top office saluting their feat.
On the field, it was Harmanpreet’s leadership, Mandhana’s consistency, Deepti’s control, and Shafali’s fearless strokeplay that powered India’s title run. Off the field, this meeting symbolised a cultural shift—one that positions women’s cricket not as an adjunct to the men’s game, but as a force shaping India’s sporting narrative.
A Symbol Beyond Celebration
While there was no open-top bus parade or seafront gathering, the moment of India’s champions walking into the country’s most closely guarded address carried unmistakable symbolism.
From dressing-room huddles and stadium roars to the corridors of power, the Women in Blue have completed their arc—from contenders to world champions, from applause to acknowledgement.
