Categories: ICC EventsWomen Cricket

PM Modi Felicitates India Women’s Cricket World Cup Champions

It wasn’t just a felicitation—it was a moment of national pride crystallized in handshakes, heartfelt words, and shared dreams. On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the newly crowned India women’s cricket team to his official residence to celebrate their historic victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

For a nation that had waited nearly 50 years for its women to lift the ultimate trophy, this meeting was more than ceremonial. It was symbolic: a recognition of grit, a validation of perseverance, and a powerful signal that women’s sport is now central to India’s sporting identity.

PM Modi’s Tribute to Resilience
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur Seeks Regular PM Meetings
Smriti Mandhana Calls PM Modi an Inspiration
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
What This Means for Women’s Cricket in India
Sources

PM Modi’s Tribute to Resilience

Prime Minister Modi didn’t just congratulate the team—he dissected their journey. He highlighted how they bounced back from early criticism, navigated high-pressure knockout games, and ultimately conquered the world on home soil at DY Patil Stadium.

“You didn’t just win a trophy,” he told the players. “You gave 1.4 billion people a reason to believe, to dream, and to stand tall.”

His words resonated deeply, especially with players like Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, who have faced intense scrutiny throughout their young careers. Modi emphasized that their comeback wasn’t just about cricket—it was a lesson in life for every young Indian facing adversity.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur Seeks Regular PM Meetings

Speaking on behalf of the team, captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed heartfelt gratitude but also made a humble yet powerful request: “We would love to meet you more often, not just after victories, but during our preparation phases too.”

This wasn’t just about access—it was about sustained engagement. Harmanpreet’s ask reflects a growing desire among athletes for consistent government support, not just celebratory photo ops. She noted that regular interactions could help shape better sports policies and inspire long-term planning in women’s cricket.

Smriti Mandhana Calls PM Modi an Inspiration

Star batter Smriti Mandhana, often vocal about policy and infrastructure, described the Prime Minister as “a personal inspiration” for his consistent advocacy of sports at the grassroots level.

“Your emphasis on Khelo India and Fit India has changed how families view sports for their daughters,” she said. “Many of us wouldn’t be here without that shift in mindset.”

Her comments tie directly into one of the meeting’s key discussion points: leveraging the team’s World Cup win to drive a nationwide fitness movement for adolescent girls.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

Beyond the applause and smiles, the meeting covered several actionable ideas:

National Fitness Drive: The team proposed a “Cricket for Every Girl” campaign, partnering with schools to promote physical activity.
Infrastructure Audit: Players highlighted the need for standardized, safe training facilities across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Mental Wellness Support: Harmanpreet stressed the importance of dedicated sports psychologists for national camps.
Media Visibility: The group discussed increasing broadcast coverage of domestic women’s tournaments to sustain momentum.

These aren’t just wishlist items—they’re strategic pillars for the next decade of India women’s cricket.

What This Means for Women’s Cricket in India

This meeting marks a turning point. For years, women cricketers fought for basic recognition. Now, they’re at the policy table. The Prime Minister’s personal involvement signals that women’s cricket is no longer a side narrative—it’s a national priority.

With the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon and a packed international calendar, the BCCI and Ministry of Youth Affairs are expected to fast-track several initiatives discussed at the meeting. This includes potential funding boosts for the Women’s Premier League and expanded talent scouting in rural India.

For fans, this is more than a feel-good story. It’s the foundation of a sustainable ecosystem where future generations won’t have to fight as hard to wear the blue jersey.

Conclusion

The felicitation of India’s Women’s World Cup champions by PM Modi wasn’t just about celebrating a title. It was a declaration: that women’s sport in India has arrived—and it’s here to stay. From Harmanpreet’s request for continuity to Mandhana’s call for cultural change, the players showed they’re not just athletes, but architects of a new sporting era.

As the nation looks ahead, one thing is clear: the roar from DY Patil Stadium will echo through policy corridors, school playgrounds, and living rooms for years to come.