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A Memorable Meeting with the Prime Minister

New Delhi: After their historic win at the Women's World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his encouraging words following their 2017 World Cup final defeat against England. They credited his motivation as a driving force behind their relentless efforts to secure their first trophy.

The Prime Minister hosted the victorious team at his residence on Wednesday evening, celebrating India's first-ever ICC trophy, which they clinched by defeating South Africa at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium.

Kaur shared her memories of meeting Modi in 2017, stating, "Sir, I remember our meeting back then when we didn't have the trophy. Today, it is an honor to present you with the trophy we've worked so hard for. Your support has doubled our joy, and we hope to continue meeting you in the future for more celebrations together."

Modi responded to Kaur's sentiments, acknowledging the significance of cricket in India, saying, "You have achieved something remarkable. Cricket is more than just a sport here; it’s a part of our culture. When the team performs well, the entire nation rejoices, but any setbacks can lead to widespread criticism."

In a follow-up message to Modi, Kaur reflected on their previous encounter, thanking him for his motivational advice during their tough times. She expressed how uplifting it was to reconnect after their triumph.

Mandhana, who also met Modi after the 2017 loss, noted that they arrived empty-handed back then but ultimately fulfilled his expectations by bringing home the trophy. She remarked on the team's perseverance through various World Cup challenges, stating, "Winning at home was destined for us. Your expectations inspired us greatly, and we have seen women excelling in various fields, which motivates us to strive for excellence and inspire other girls."