Women's World Cup 2025: India squad presents signed jersey to PM Narendra Modi at New Delhi residence

Published - 05 Nov 2025, 21:22 IST | Updated - 05 Nov 2025, 21:30 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Indian women’s cricket team at his New Delhi residence on Lok Kalyan Marg on Wednesday, November 5, following the Women in Blue's triumph at the Women’s World Cup 2025. Modi congratulated the team on their success and appreciated their strong comeback after a difficult start, which included three consecutive defeats and immense criticism on social media.

The players presented a signed team jersey with ‘NAMO 1’ printed on it to the Prime Minister. The event was also attended by BCCI President Mithun Manhas. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled the team’s meeting with the Prime Minister in 2017 after their loss to England in the World Cup final at Lord’s. She mentioned that at that time, they had met him without the trophy, whereas this time, they were proud to meet him as champions.

Smriti Mandhana, who finished the tournament as the second-highest run-getter with 434 runs in nine innings, referred to the Prime Minister’s encouragement as a source of motivation for the team. She said that girls across the country were excelling in every field, and that the Prime Minister’s support had played a key role in this progress.

Deepti Sharma, who was named Player of the Tournament for her 215 runs and 22 wickets, expressed her happiness at meeting the Honourable PM. She recalled his words from 2017, when he encouraged the players to continue working hard to fulfil their dreams. The Prime Minister has noted her ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Instagram post and Hanuman tattoo, which she mentioned as her source of strength.

During the interaction, the captain asked the Prime Minister how he manages to stay calm and focused at all times. He replied that remaining in the present had become a natural habit for him. He also referred to Harleen Deol’s famous catch against England in 2021, which he had appreciated publicly.

The Prime Minister also appreciated Harmanpreet's act of pocketing the match ball after the final, and Amanjot Kaur’s catch to dismiss South Africa Women skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the title clash. He remarked that while catching, players focus on the ball, but after the catch, they should keep their eyes on the trophy.

Kranti Gaud mentioned her brother’s admiration for the Prime Minister, who in response extended an open invitation to meet them. The Prime Minister has urged the players to promote the ‘Fit India’ movement, especially among young girls, and to visit schools to inspire students to pursue fitness and sports.