India’s women’s cricket team etched their name in history on Sunday, lifting their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title with a commanding 52-run victory over South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The triumph, India’s first-ever world title in women’s ODIs, sparked a wave of celebration across the nation, with leaders, sportspersons, and celebrities hailing the achievement as a defining moment for Indian cricket.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, posting on microblogging site X, “A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance was marked by great skill and confidence. Exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our players. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports."
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar congratulated the team, calling it a “really proud moment for Indian cricket,” while Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote, “History scripted! What an iconic performance by our Women in Blue. 140 crore Indians are cherishing this proud moment.”
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah credited the team’s success to consistent investment and reforms in women’s cricket, “The BCCI Women’s march towards its first World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. The grit, resolve, and skills of the Indian team have inspired the whole nation. Increased investment, pay parity, and the Women’s Premier League have helped nurture big-match temperament. Congratulations to Harmanpreet Kaur and the entire squad!”
Nita Ambani, chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “At the stroke of midnight, our girls have made the whole nation swell with pride. You have played with courage, conviction, and confidence. Dhanyavad and Jai Hind!”
Meanwhile, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar drew parallels with India’s 1983 men’s World Cup triumph, “1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women’s Cricket Team has done something truly special. They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball and believe they too can lift that trophy one day. This is a defining moment in Indian women’s cricket.”
Rahul Gandhi also posted, “What a moment of pride! Our Women in Blue have made history and touched a billion hearts. You didn’t just lift a trophy, you lifted a nation’s spirit.”
Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra also joined in, writing, “World Champions! Congratulations to the Indian women’s cricket team as they win their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title. What a performance!”
Former India captain Virat Kohli posted on Instagram, “The girls have created history and I couldn’t be more proud. They deserve all the applause. This will inspire generations of girls to take up the sport in our country. Jai Hind.” Posting his microblogging site X too, he wrote, "Inspiration for generations to come, you’ve made every Indian proud with your fearless cricket and belief throughout. You guys deserve all the accolades and enjoy the moment to the fullest. Well done Harman and the team. Jai Hind "
Harbhajan Singh shared, “We r the champions! Well done Team India. Bharat Mahan tha aur rahega hamesha. Jai Hind.”
Former batter Virender Sehwag wrote, “Champions! Har chauke har wicket, apne jazbe se poore desh ka dil jeet liya! Harman and her team have given a generation the dream to win and shine.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, called it a moment reminiscent of past glory, “That was a nail-biting women’s World Cup final, memories of 1983 and 2011 indeed. Congrats to Team India, am sure this will inspire a whole generation.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised the historic nature of the win, “Women in Blue = World Champions! Respect to South Africa for making their first-ever final. A truly historic day for women’s cricket — new chapters written, barriers broken, legends born.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the victory was not just a sporting triumph but a celebration of women’s power, “Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. Your determination and teamwork have brought immense pride to the nation. This triumph is a celebration of resilience and leadership that continues to inspire millions.”
Led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, India became only the fourth team to win the women’s World Cup, joining Australia, England, and New Zealand in the elite list. Batting first, India posted a formidable 298/7, the second-highest total in the tournament’s history, powered by Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 and Deepti Sharma’s composed 58. Smriti Mandhana added 45 in what was a record-breaking campaign for her, finishing the tournament with 434 runs.
In reply, South Africa’s chase revolved around captain Laura Wolvaardt’s fighting 101, but Deepti’s all-round brilliance (5/39) and Shafali’s timely breakthroughs (2/36) sealed the contest. The Proteas were bowled out for 246, handing India a landmark win after heartbreaks in the 2005 and 2017 finals.
After years of toil, missed chances, and close heartbreaks, the night in Navi Mumbai became a symbol of redemption. Deepti Sharma, named Player of the Tournament, and Shafali Verma, Player of the Match, led a team that played fearlessly, rewriting history for women’s cricket in India.
As Sachin Tendulkar aptly sums it up, just as 1983 inspired a generation of boys to dream big, 2025 will forever be remembered as the year Indian women showed that dreams know no gender.
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