The Indian women’s cricket team had a special surprise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they met him in New Delhi on Wednesday, November 5. The World Cup winners presented him with a jersey signed by every player, carrying the name NaMo 1 as a mark of respect and appreciation.
PM Modi hosted the triumphant squad at his residence to celebrate their historic Women’s World Cup victory. True to his tradition of meeting athletes who bring glory to the country, he welcomed captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates and listened to their stories from a campaign that ended years of waiting for a world title.
Under Harmanpreet’s leadership, India lifted its first Women’s World Cup trophy on Sunday with a 52 run win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai. The victory erased memories of past heartbreaks and marked a new era for Indian women’s cricket. Although the Prime Minister could not attend the final, he joined the nation in celebrating the moment and shared a warm congratulatory message for the team.
A Gift and a Conversation to Remember
After the final, Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma had hinted that the team had something special planned for their meeting with PM Modi, and the signed jersey turned out to be that gift. During the interaction, the Prime Minister congratulated the players and praised their determination throughout the tournament.
Harmanpreet recalled how the team had met PM Modi back in 2017 without a trophy, saying this time the meeting felt far more special and complete. She added that the team hopes to share many more such moments in the future.
Vice captain Smriti Mandhana said the Prime Minister’s words were deeply motivating and that his encouragement has been a major source of inspiration for women athletes across India. She also pointed out that women in many fields are achieving new heights today, thanks in part to the support and recognition they receive.
Deepti Sharma shared how she had been looking forward to meeting him again since 2017, when he had urged them to stay focused and believe in their dreams. She said his words had guided them through tough times. During the conversation, PM Modi mentioned noticing her Jai Shri Ram post and the Hanuman tattoo on her arm. Deepti smiled and said her faith gives her strength and peace.
Before the meeting ended, Harmanpreet asked the Prime Minister how he manages to stay calm and present despite his busy schedule. Modi replied that staying grounded has become second nature to him, something he practices every day without thinking twice.
