In a moment that blended national pride with heartfelt emotion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally felicitated India’s victorious Women’s Cricket Team at his official residence in New Delhi, just days after their historic ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 triumph. The meeting was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a powerful acknowledgment of a generation-defining achievement that has united the nation in celebration.
A Champion’s Welcome at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg
Dressed in their official team blazers, captain Harmanpreet Kaur led her squad into the Prime Minister’s office, where they were greeted with warm applause and genuine admiration. PM Modi, a known cricket enthusiast, called the team’s performance “a masterclass in grit, grace, and game sense.”
The highlight of the visit? The players presented the Prime Minister with a custom-made blue jersey featuring the number ’78’—a nod to the year of his birth—and the nickname ‘NAMO’ emblazoned across the back, stitched with the same precision as their World Cup final kits.
“This jersey isn’t just fabric—it’s the spirit of 1.4 billion Indians who stood with you in every over,” PM Modi remarked, visibly moved.
From Stadium Roars to National Honor
The felicitation ceremony marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey. After lifting their maiden Women’s World Cup trophy in front of a roaring home crowd, the team was showered with accolades—from state governments announcing cash rewards to brands rushing to sign endorsement deals [[INTERNAL_LINK:brand endorsements]].
But the Prime Minister’s recognition carried a deeper significance: it formally cemented women’s cricket as a pillar of India’s sporting identity.
- Cash Awards: The central government is expected to announce a substantial reward under the National Sports Awards scheme.
- Infrastructure Boost: PM Modi hinted at fast-tracking women’s cricket academies in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Legacy Moment: The team’s visit was documented for a national sports archive, highlighting its cultural importance.
Players Speak: “This is Just the Beginning”
Smriti Mandhana, one of the tournament’s top scorers, shared that meeting the PM was “surreal.”
“We’ve dreamed of this since we were kids playing with tennis balls in gullies. Today, the Prime Minister of India called us national heroes. That changes everything—for us, and for every little girl watching.”
Meanwhile, all-rounder Deepti Sharma emphasized the team’s commitment to inspiring the next generation: “We didn’t just win a trophy. We opened a door.”
Why This Recognition Matters
Historically, women athletes in India have battled for visibility, funding, and institutional support. PM Modi’s public and personal felicitation signals a top-down shift in how women’s sports are valued at the highest levels of governance.
This isn’t just about one event—it’s about setting a precedent. When the Prime Minister stands beside women cricketers and calls them champions of the nation, it sends a message to schools, sports federations, and families: girls in sport deserve equal space, respect, and investment.