Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian Women’s Cricket Team on Wednesday following their historic victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Dhaka. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence, was marked by warmth, laughter, and appreciation as Modi congratulated the players for their “unmatched grit and determination.”
“Your victory is not just about winning a trophy—it is about winning the hearts of 1.4 billion Indians,” the Prime Minister said during the interaction. “You have shown every young girl in the country that dreams, when chased with courage, can conquer the world.”
The victory that made history
India secured its first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title by defeating Australia in a nail-biting final on November 3, sealing the win by four runs. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India defended a modest total of 147, thanks to stellar bowling performances by Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma, who held their nerve in the final overs.
The victory ended Australia’s long dominance in women’s cricket and marked a turning point for the sport in India. Millions watched the match live, making it one of the most-viewed women’s sporting events in Indian television history.
Modi’s message to the champions
During the hour-long interaction, Modi individually congratulated every player and support staff member. He also spoke about the growing ecosystem of women’s sports in India, emphasizing the need for stronger grassroots development and equal opportunities.
“The success of our women athletes—from cricket to wrestling and hockey—shows the power of Nari Shakti. The government is committed to supporting women in sports at every level,” he said.
The Prime Minister presented the team with commemorative shawls and mementoes and posed for photographs with the World Cup trophy. He praised the team’s composure under pressure, noting that “sportsmanship and teamwork” were as significant as the win itself.
Players express gratitude
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur thanked Modi for his constant encouragement, recalling how his messages during the semi-final stage boosted team morale. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana called the meeting “a moment of pride and motivation,” adding that such recognition “drives us to aim higher every time we wear the India jersey.”
Coach Nooshin Al Khadeer and BCCI officials accompanying the team briefed the Prime Minister on India’s evolving domestic women’s cricket structure and the impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in nurturing young talent.
Broader impact
India’s victory has reignited nationwide interest in women’s cricket. Sponsorships, broadcast deals, and sports-academy enrolments have reportedly surged since the win. The government is also planning special initiatives to integrate more female athletes into national training programmes under Khelo India.
