In a touching display of gratitude and national pride, the newly crowned ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 champions—Team India—presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a custom-designed cricket jersey emblazoned with the words “Namo No. 1” during a special felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. The moment, filled with smiles and emotion, symbolized not just a sporting triumph but a shared journey of belief, support, and transformation in Indian women’s cricket.
A Jersey That Tells a Story
The special jersey, handed over by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and star batter Smriti Mandhana, featured the Prime Minister’s familiar moniker “Namo” alongside the number “1”—a playful yet powerful nod to his unwavering encouragement of the team long before their historic victory. The gesture resonated deeply, reflecting the players’ genuine appreciation for his consistent public support and advocacy for women in sports.
“You’ve always believed in us, even when others didn’t,” one player was quoted as saying during the emotional meet. “This jersey is our way of saying thank you for being our biggest cheerleader.”
From Encouragement to Historic Glory
Prime Minister Modi has been vocal in his praise for the women’s team, often highlighting their grit on social media and in public addresses. His encouragement, players say, played a subtle but significant motivational role throughout their World Cup campaign. From pre-tournament pep talks to celebratory tweets after every win, his visibility gave the team a sense of national backing that transcended the cricket field.
Their victory—India’s first-ever ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title—was not just a sporting milestone but a cultural moment that ignited conversations about gender equity, youth inspiration, and the future of women’s sports in the country.
More Than a Trophy: A Movement
The jersey presentation wasn’t just ceremonial; it was symbolic of a larger shift. Under the current administration, investments in women’s cricket infrastructure, domestic tournaments like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and grassroots development have surged. The World Cup win is being seen as the fruit of that sustained policy support.
How PM Modi’s Support Shaped the Journey
- Public Recognition: Regular social media shoutouts boosted team morale and national visibility.
- Policy Backing: Increased funding for women’s cricket academies and high-performance centers.
- Symbolic Gestures: Inviting the team to Rashtrapati Bhavan and interacting personally post-victory.
- National Pride: Framing the team’s success as a matter of national achievement, not just sport.
Celebrating Unity and Inspiration
The “Namo No. 1” jersey now joins a growing collection of iconic sports memorabilia at the Prime Minister’s office—but its real value lies in what it represents: a team that fought against odds, a leader who stood by them, and a nation that finally saw its women lift the biggest prize in ODI cricket.
As young girls across India pick up bats and dream bigger than ever, that jersey serves as a quiet reminder: belief, from the top down, can change everything.