📰 Introduction
India’s historic win at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has triggered celebrations across the country. The team’s return to Delhi culminated in a special ceremony, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted and felicitated the champions at his official residence. The meeting underscored national pride, the power of sports as inspiration, and the transformative moment this win represents for women’s cricket in India. The Economic Times+2The Times of India+2
📅 Key Moments from the Ceremony
- The Indian women’s cricket team arrived in New Delhi to a hero’s welcome and later headed to PM Modi’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg for the felicitation. The Times of India+1
- On the agenda: the World Cup trophy was brought in, players gave a custom “NaMo” jersey to the Prime Minister, and the PM shared his thoughts on focus, teamwork, and national inspiration. The Times of India+1
- The players reciprocated by reflecting on their journey — from past disappointments to this landmark success — and expressed how the meeting with the PM adds to their motivation. The Times of India+1
🎙 What PM Modi Said
- The Prime Minister praised the team for turning criticism and setbacks into success. He likened their mindset to that of champions and urged them to carry forward the message of youth empowerment and fitness through the “Fit India” initiative. The Times of India
- He mentioned memorable fielding moments (such as Harleen Deol’s catch) and engaged personally with players about their inspiration, focus, and character on the field. The Times of India+1
👥 Players’ Reactions
- Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled their earlier meeting with the PM in 2017 and shared how exchanging the moment with the trophy in hand made it even more special. The Times of India
- Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana mentioned that PM Modi is an inspiration for everyone on the team. The Economic Times
- All-rounder Deepti Sharma revealed how her faith and strength, acknowledged by the PM, play a role in her performance. The Times of India
🌍 Significance of the Event
- Historical moment for Indian women’s cricket: The World Cup win itself was hailed as India’s “1983 moment” for women’s cricket. Reuters+1
- Boost for women empowerment in sport: The meeting with PM Modi amplifies visibility and recognition for the women’s game.
- Message of inspiration and fitness: With the Fit India agenda being emphasized, this event ties sport performance with broader national health goals.
- Momentum for future generations: The felicitation serves as a platform to inspire millions of young girls in India to dream big and take up sport.
✅ What’s Next for the Team
- The team will return to their respective hometowns but will carry the momentum and message from the PM’s encouragement. The Times of India
- The players have a role ahead in promoting fitness, discipline, and sporting spirit, as flagged by the PM.
- The victory and its acknowledgement by the top leadership mark a new chapter — more tournaments, higher expectations, and broader participation in the women’s game.
🎯 Conclusion
The felicitation of India’s Women’s Cricket Team by PM Narendra Modi is more than a ceremonial event — it is a recognition of perseverance, teamwork, and national pride. It signals that Indian women’s cricket has arrived not just on the podium, but in the nation’s psyche. As the players bask in their success, the country stands ready to celebrate their journey and the door it opens for many more to follow.
