Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious Indian women's cricket team at his Delhi residence on Wednesday, showering praise on their "remarkable resilience" after three crushing early losses to South Africa, Australia, and England nearly derailed their World Cup dream. Turning the tables on vicious social media trolls who mocked the squad during the slump, Modi lauded their mental fortitude in scripting a historic turnaround to clinch India's maiden 50-over World Cup title with a commanding 52-run final win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai on November 2. The meeting, filled with laughter and inspiration, underscored how the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side transformed heartbreak into glory.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reminisced about their 2017 World Cup runner-up visit to Modi without a trophy, joking that more successes would mean more invitations. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana called the PM's words a massive motivation boost. Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma, who had waited since 2017 to meet him again, beamed when Modi noted her "Jai Shri Ram" Instagram bio and Lord Hanuman tattoo, crediting them for inner strength. The PM shared his secret to staying present-focused, a lifelong habit, while Harmanpreet asked for tips on mindfulness amid high-pressure cricket.

Light-hearted moments peppered the interaction as Modi recalled iconic plays like Harleen Deol's gravity-defying 2021 catch against England, which he had celebrated online. He teased Harmanpreet for slyly pocketing the match ball post-victory, to which she grinned and said luck favored her. Joking about Amanjot Kaur's juggling catch in the final, Modi quipped that her eyes shifted from ball to trophy mid-air. Youngster Kranti Gaud mentioned her brother's fandom, earning an open invite from the PM for a family meet-up.

Also Read: ‘Democracy Hijacked’: Rahul Gandhi Accuses EC of Colluding With PM Modi, Shah

Modi urged the champions to champion the Fit India movement, especially among girls, highlighting rising obesity concerns and the need for daily physical activity. He encouraged school visits to spark sports interest in young minds, envisioning a fitter nation inspired by their feat. As the team disperses to hometowns, Shafali Verma heads to Nagaland for Inter-Zonal T20 duty, carrying the glow of triumph.

This World Cup win cements a legacy for women's cricket in India, ending years of close calls and proving doubters wrong. From trolling storms to trophy lifts, the squad's journey exemplifies grit, unity, and the power of bouncing back stronger under pressure.

Also Read: Trump Expresses Strong Admiration for PM Modi, Pushes Trade Discussions With India