PM Modi hosts Women’s World Cup champions, praises team’s comeback

PM Modi hosts Women’s World Cup champions, praises team’s comeback

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hosted the Indian women’s cricket team and head coach Amol Muzumdar at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, congratulating them on their historic Women’s World Cup win.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side defeated their opponents in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

The Prime Minister commended their remarkable comeback in the tournament after suffering three consecutive defeats.

During the interaction, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur fondly recalled meeting the Prime Minister in 2017, when the team had fallen short of the trophy.

“Back then, we met you without the trophy. This time, we’ve come with it and we hope to keep meeting you like this,” she said.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana thanked the Prime Minister for his encouragement, saying his words had always motivated the team.

“PM Modi has been an inspiration for all of us. Girls today are excelling in every field, and his constant support has played a big role in that,” she said.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma said she had long waited for this meeting and recalled Modi’s 2017 advice to “keep working hard until the dream is achieved.” The Prime Minister also mentioned her ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Instagram post and Hanuman tattoo, to which she replied that her faith gives her strength.

In a light-hearted exchange, Harmanpreet asked the Prime Minister how he manages to stay focused in the present moment. Modi responded that mindfulness has become a habit and a way of life for him.

The Prime Minister also mentioned about Harleen Deol’s iconic 2021 catch against England, which he had praised on social media, and spoke about Amanjot Kaur’s juggling catch in the final.

“While taking the catch, your eyes were on the ball — but after it, you must have been seeing the trophy,” he quipped.

Kranti Gaud mentioned that her brother is a big fan of the Prime Minister, to which Modi warmly extended an open invitation for them to visit.

Before concluding, the Prime Minister urged the players to promote the Fit India movement, especially among young girls. He spoke about the importance of physical fitness and encouraged them to visit schools to inspire students to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

“You have shown what determination and discipline can achieve. Now, inspire others to stay fit and chase their dreams,” the Prime Minister told the team.