New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the Indian women’s cricket team at his official residence, Lok Kalyan Marg, following their historic ODI World Cup triumph, congratulating them on a remarkable journey marked by resilience, skill, and determination.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, dressed in formal attire with their winner’s medals, received high praise from the Prime Minister for their extraordinary comeback after facing early setbacks and social media trolling during the tournament.

India ended a long wait for a major ICC trophy by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday.

A Special Meeting Full of Emotion and Motivation

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting PM Modi in 2017, saying, “That time we met you without the trophy, and today we meet you with it. We wish to keep meeting you like this often.”

Vice-Captain Smriti Mandhana said the Prime Minister’s constant motivation has inspired the team, adding that his support has been instrumental in empowering women across all fields.

Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma expressed her happiness at meeting PM Modi again, recalling his earlier advice to “keep working hard and dreams will come true.”

PM Modi also engaged in a light-hearted conversation, noting Deepti’s ‘Jai Shri Ram’ post and Hanuman tattoo, to which she responded that it gives her strength.

PM Modi’s Interaction with Players

The Prime Minister praised Harleen Deol’s iconic 2021 catch against England, saying he still remembers posting about it on social media. He also discussed Harmanpreet’s decision to pocket the match ball after the final, to which she replied, “I was lucky the ball came to me, so I kept it.”

He also mentioned Amanjot Kaur’s fumbled yet successful catch, quipping, “While catching, you must have been seeing the ball; after the catch, you must have been seeing the trophy.”

Fast bowler Kranti Gaud shared that her brother is an ardent admirer of PM Modi — prompting the PM to extend an open invitation for them to meet.

‘Take Forward Fit India Movement’

PM Modi urged the world champions to spread awareness about fitness, especially among young girls, and to visit schools to motivate students.

He expressed concern about the rising issue of obesity, underlining the importance of health and physical activity.

Pratika Rawal, who missed the knockout stage due to an ankle injury, attended the meeting in a wheelchair and received special appreciation from the Prime Minister for her fighting spirit.

A Historic Win for Indian Cricket

PM Modi was among the first to congratulate the team after their triumph, posting on social media:

“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. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports.”

The meeting concluded with a group photo and light-hearted exchanges, symbolizing a proud moment for Indian women’s cricket and the nation’s sporting spirit.