Table of Contents
- Historic World Cup Victory
- Journey to Delhi and Grand Welcome
- PM Modi Meets the Champions
- Team Interaction and Memories
- Celebrations Across India
- Honouring Legends and Coaches
- Impact on Women’s Sports in India
- What’s Next for the Team
Historic World Cup Victory
India’s women’s cricket team made history under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur by winning their first-ever PM Modi felicitates Women’s World Cup champions on November 3, 2025. The team faced South Africa in a thrilling, high-scoring final at Navi Mumbai, securing victory by 52 runs. Decades of heartbreak and near misses finally ended as India lifted the coveted trophy for the first time in history.
The historic triumph was not just a win on the scoreboard—it symbolized the rise of women’s cricket in India. From Mithali Raj’s pioneering days to the current crop of players, the journey has been one of determination, resilience, and unmatched skill. The victory now sets a new benchmark for young cricketers aspiring to represent India at the highest level.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s strategic batting, Jemimah Rodrigues’ aggressive strokes, and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance were key factors in India’s dominating performance. Fans celebrated across the country as news of India’s victory spread like wildfire, bringing the nation together in a moment of shared pride.
Journey to Delhi and Grand Welcome
After the victory in Navi Mumbai, the Indian women’s team traveled to Delhi on a special Star Air charter flight (S5-8328) on Tuesday evening. Security was heightened in the capital, with police personnel conducting thorough checks on the team bus and the surrounding routes to ensure safety.
Upon arrival, the team received a grand welcome at the Taj Palace Hotel. Rose petals lined their path, and hotel staff and fans cheered loudly. Players Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana danced to the beats of the dhol, celebrating the historic moment in high spirits. The atmosphere in Delhi was electric, reflecting the nation’s excitement and pride.

PM Modi Meets the Champions
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Indian women’s cricket team at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Staying true to his tradition of celebrating athletes, PM Modi congratulated Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates, personally listening to their stories from the historic campaign.
Unlike the 2023 men’s World Cup final, where PM Modi attended the venue, he could not be present during the women’s final. Nevertheless, he joined millions of fans in celebrating the historic triumph, sharing a heartfelt message appreciating the team’s efforts and achievements.
During the interaction, the team presented PM Modi with a special signed jersey named ‘Namo 1’, symbolizing gratitude for his support of sports in India. The Prime Minister praised their determination, resilience, and sportsmanship, highlighting the significance of their accomplishment in inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Team Interaction and Memories
The meeting with PM Modi was filled with nostalgia and inspiration. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur fondly recalled the team’s earlier meeting with the Prime Minister in 2017, when they had yet to achieve major success. Meeting him again as World Cup champions made the occasion particularly special.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared how PM Modi’s words of encouragement motivated the players. She credited the Prime Minister’s support as a key factor empowering women in India to excel in various fields. Deepti Sharma reminisced about the advice PM Modi gave the team in 2017, urging them to stay determined and work hard, which now bore fruit in their World Cup triumph.
PM Modi also noticed Deepti Sharma’s “Jai Shri Ram” post on Instagram and the Hanuman tattoo on her arm. Deepti explained that her faith gives her inner strength, which played a role in her performance on the field.
Celebrations Across India
The victory in Navi Mumbai had been celebrated with families, friends, and cricket enthusiasts. Captain Harmanpreet ran into her father’s arms after taking the decisive catch, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav shared the moment with their parents on the field. Fans from different parts of India rejoiced as social media buzzed with congratulatory messages for the team.
The celebrations also reflected the growing popularity of women’s cricket, as stadiums and public spaces witnessed fans cheering, waving flags, and organizing impromptu rallies to honor the team’s success. The victory marked a turning point in Indian sports culture, showcasing the rise of women athletes on a national platform.
Honouring Legends and Coaches
India’s champions also paid tribute to the legends who paved the way for their success. Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Jhulan Goswami were invited to lift the trophy and join the lap of honor at DY Patil Stadium. Their presence served as a reminder of the legacy and commitment that had sustained women’s cricket in India over decades.
Head coach Amol Mazumdar received a hero’s welcome in his hometown before rejoining the team for the Delhi trip. Residents, mostly women, formed a guard of honor with cricket bats, celebrating the coach’s contribution to nurturing cricket talent and guiding the team toward its historic achievement.
Impact on Women’s Sports in India
The 2025 Women’s World Cup victory is expected to have a lasting impact on sports in India, particularly for women. The historic win and the recognition from PM Modi underscore the importance of equal opportunities, training, and encouragement for female athletes. Young girls across India are now motivated to pursue sports with greater zeal, and the win will likely contribute to increased investment and attention toward women’s cricket.
This triumph also reflects a societal shift, where women’s achievements are celebrated on par with men’s, creating role models for the next generation. From grassroots cricket to national leagues, the victory has energized interest in cricket and expanded its influence beyond traditional strongholds.
What’s Next for the Team
The team’s journey continues beyond the felicitation. Plans for a possible victory parade in Delhi are being discussed, and the players are scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu in the near future. Meanwhile, the squad will return to training camps, focusing on upcoming international tournaments and consolidating their newfound dominance in women’s cricket.
With this historic win and the recognition from national leaders, the Indian women’s cricket team has firmly established itself as a force to reckon with, inspiring both sports enthusiasts and the nation as a whole.
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By India Today Sports Desk — Updated November 5, 2025


