It was a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket as years of toil and near-misses culminated in an evening of redemption and history, with the team defeating South Africa by 52 runs.
Navi Mumbai
India on Sunday raised a toast to its women’s cricket team after a historic World Cup victory, hailed as a “defining moment” that could inspire generations. The triumph, sealed by a 52-run win over South Africa in the final, made India only the fourth team to lift the ODI title — a crowning glory for years of perseverance.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised the achievement, recalling the 1983 men’s World Cup as a turning point for Indian cricket. “Our Women’s Team has done something truly special,” he wrote on X. “They’ve inspired countless young girls to pick up a bat and believe they can lift that trophy one day.”
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called it an “iconic performance” and wrote, “History scripted! 140 crore Indians are cherishing this proud moment. Congratulations, World Champions!”
Star batter Virat Kohli lauded the team for its fearless spirit: “You’ve made every Indian proud with your belief throughout. Well done Harman and team. Jai Hind.”
Former opener Virender Sehwag tweeted, “Champions! Harmanpreet Kaur aur unki team ne poori generation ko sapna de diya jeetne ka, ladne ka, chamakne ka!”
South African great AB de Villiers also congratulated the Indian team, calling the final “a showcase of how much women’s cricket has grown.”
Tributes poured in from across sports and cinema. Chess world champion Gukesh D hailed it as “a moment of national pride,” while Mohammed Kaif said the win gave the team “an identity and a billion fans.”
As former cricketer Wasim Jaffer aptly summed up: “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.”