Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 5 November, met the Women’s World Cup-winning Indian cricket team at his residence in New Delhi, celebrating their historic triumph. Continuing his tradition of honouring India’s sporting champions, PM Modi interacted with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates, listening to their stories of grit and success.

Under Harmanpreet’s leadership, India made history on Sunday by clinching their first-ever Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai. The victory ended decades of near misses and heartbreak for Indian women’s cricket.

Although PM Modi could not attend the match in person, he joined millions of fans nationwide in celebrating the momentous win, posting a heartfelt message congratulating the team for their achievement and spirit.

Over the years, the Prime Minister has maintained a close connection with Indian athletes, regularly meeting Olympic medalists, Paralympians, chess champions, and other sporting icons to acknowledge their contributions and inspire future generations.

The victorious squad reached Delhi on a special Star Air charter flight (S5-8328) amid heightened security. Police carried out thorough inspections along the route to the Prime Minister’s residence before the meeting. Reports suggest that discussions are ongoing regarding a possible victory parade in the capital.

In Navi Mumbai, the players celebrated with their families and fans after the post-match ceremony. Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional embrace with her father, moments after she took the decisive catch, became one of the highlights of the evening.

In a touching gesture, the team also invited former greats Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Anjum Chopra to join them in lifting the trophy and taking a victory lap around the DY Patil Stadium — a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation.

Meanwhile, head coach Amol Mazumdar received a hero’s welcome upon his return home to Mumbai, where neighbours — many of them women — formed a guard of honour, raising cricket bats in celebration before he joined the team in Delhi.

India’s victory not only marked a new era for women’s cricket but also reaffirmed the growing pride and recognition for female athletes across the nation.