PM Modi’s meet-up with World Cup champions turns into a warm, no-filters conversation
New Delhi: It wasn’t a choreographed photo-op. It turned into a real, heart-to-heart exchange when Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down with the Indian women’s cricket team after their historic 50-over World Cup win.
The champions were invited to his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where the PM spent time recalling the small, defining moments of their journeys — the stumbles, the comebacks, and the grit that led them to the trophy.
He congratulated the team for rising after early losses in the tournament and called their comeback “a story every young athlete must hear.” The PM praised the players for carrying the nation’s hopes with calmness and maturity.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reminded him of their 2017 meeting when they came without a trophy.
“This time, sir, we came with it,” she said, drawing smiles around the room. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana shared how one piece of advice the PM gave years ago — on handling pressure — shaped the team’s thinking.
Coach Amol Muzumdar highlighted how the squad trained with intensity and belief throughout the year, and how this title fulfilled their long-held dream.
The PM asked each player to take their success to schools, motivating children and especially girls to take up sports confidently. He also nudged them to keep championing the Fit India message.
The team presented the PM with a “NaMo 1” jersey — a gesture that brought a moment of laughter and warmth. Players also shared lighthearted banter, including Harleen Deol’s viral question about the PM’s “glow”, adding a friendly touch to the celebratory meeting.
In all, it was leadership with empathy — applauding victory while valuing the human story behind it.
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