Women's cricket in India has come of age after the country’s maiden World Cup triumph with leading sports personalities, political figures, corporate honchos and Bollywood actors calling it a "defining moment” which would inspire generations to come.
It was a watershed moment for Indian women's cricket after the team defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final on Sunday night to become only the fourth side to win the ODI World Cup title.
"1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women's Cricket Team has done something truly special. They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day," cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.
Describing the triumph as "a crowning moment for the nation", Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "This is a defining moment in the journey of Indian women's cricket. Congratulations to the entire team. You've elevated India's pride to the skies. Your stellar cricketing skills paved the path of inspiration for millions of girls.”
Calling it an iconic moment, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote: "History scripted! What an iconic performance by our Women in Blue. 140 crore Indians are cherishing this proud moment. Congratulations, World Champions!"
Star cricketer Virat Kohli lauded the team for playing "fearless" cricket. "Inspiration for generations to come, you've made every Indian proud with your fearless cricket and belief throughout. You guys deserve all the accolades and enjoy the moment to the fullest. Well done Harman and the team. Jai Hind," wrote Kohli.
Former captain Mithali Raj said her dream of seeing Indian women's team lifting the World Cup trophy was realised. "Champions of the World. I’ve seen this dream for over two decades. From the heartbreak of 2005 to the fight of 2017, every tear, every sacrifice, every young girl who picked up a bat believing we belong here, it all led to this moment,” she said.
"These girls walked so you can run. Women’s cricket will never be the same again. Thank you to every girl in this squad for making this happen. So proud of this incredible team," double Olympic medallist javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra said.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the women's World Cup triumph will inspire a whole generation of youngsters. "What was a nail biting women's world cup cricket final, memories of 1983 and 2011 indeed. Congrats to Team India, am sure will inspire a whole generation. Great tournament from South Africa too!" said the Indian American.
"A truly inspirational performance that has not only brought immense pride to the nation but also inspired a generation to dream big. This is a win that will echo through generations," Indian batting great VVS Laxman wrote.
Tributes also poured in from other sports personalities, including world chess champion D Gukesh, who said, "What a moment for Indian cricket! Huge congratulations to the Indian women's team on winning the World Cup. Absolute champions!"
Also read: BCCI cash reward of ₹51 crore for World Cup-winning team
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