Murmu calls women’s team role models for nation

In a heartwarming ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu celebrated India’s triumphant women’s cricket team, lauding their historic World Cup victory as a defining moment for Indian sport. The players, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, met the President and presented her with a jersey signed by the entire squad along with the coveted World Cup trophy.

India etched its name in history last Sunday by clinching their maiden global title in women’s cricket, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the ODI World Cup final in Navi Mumbai. The win marked the culmination of a spirited campaign that saw the team rise from a shaky start to ultimate glory.

President Murmu congratulated the players for their resilience and unity, calling them true symbols of a diverse and determined India. “This team reflects India. They represent different regions, social backgrounds, and circumstances yet they are one Team India,” she said. “They have created history and become role models for the younger generation.”

The President, quoting from her remarks shared on the official X handle and later through a Press Information Bureau statement, praised the squad for showing the nation’s best spirit of perseverance and teamwork. She highlighted their memorable semifinal victory over the mighty, seven-time world champion Australia, noting that the feat had strengthened the belief of every Indian in the team’s potential.

Murmu said the women’s triumph would inspire countless young girls to dream big and pursue excellence in sports. “With the same qualities that helped them write history, I am confident they will continue to keep Indian cricket at the top,” she added.

Reflecting on the team’s roller-coaster campaign, the President acknowledged the emotional highs and lows following three early league-stage defeats. “Sometimes they would have even lost sleep,” she said, admiring how they fought back with courage and composure. Their stirring victory over New Zealand, she noted, had rekindled public faith that the “daughters of India” would prevail against all odds.

The meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan came a day after the World Cup-winning squad called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, continuing a week of celebrations honoring one of Indian cricket’s most inspiring triumphs.