As members of India's World Cup-winning women's cricket team, Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol received a warm welcome upon their return. Their families and leaders from Punjab's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) greeted
them with sweets and traditional dhol music at the airport on Friday (November 7).
The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, achieved a historic victory by securing their first-ever 50-over World Cup title with a 52-run win against South Africa in Navi Mumbai last Sunday.
Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer were among those present to honour the players. The two cricketers were celebrated with sweets and shawls as they emerged from the airport. Family members and fans eagerly awaited their arrival, celebrating the team's success. "This victory is of entire India, entire Punjab," Amanjot expressed to reporters.
#WATCH | Chandigarh: Amanjot Kaur, who played as part of the World Cup-winning Indian Women's team, says, "You can see that the entire Punjab is here to welcome me. What can be better than this?"
- ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2025
On meeting with PM, she says, "He spoke about the catch. Surya bhaiya took a catch… pic.twitter.com/ueU0g92Q5Z
Harleen Deol shared how her family consistently supported her ambitions. She encouraged parents to give their daughters freedom and opportunities, emphasising that girls can achieve great things when supported. "Girls can bring laurels when given freedom and opportunity. My family always supported me," she said, urging girls to pursue their passions with dedication.
Reflecting on the team's journey, Amanjot mentioned that they didn't sleep after defeating Australia in the semi-final or after their final victory. The belief in their ability to succeed was strong among team members. "We had belief that we will do well and lift the Cup," she added.
Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who previously served as Punjab's Sports Minister, highlighted the state's supportive stance towards sports. He noted that the government encourages athletes across various disciplines. Minister Harpal Singh Cheema echoed this sentiment, stating, "On behalf of the Punjab government, I welcome all the daughters; they are making us proud. " He acknowledged the achievements of women in other sports internationally.
#WATCH | Chandigarh: Harleen Deol, who played as part of the World Cup-winning Indian Women's team, says, ".It feels great. I had a great support of my family and it gave me even more freedom to play. Follow your passion. Dreams do come true. Keep working hard. "… pic.twitter.com/3Sz71LwI9s
- ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2025
Amanjot's cousin Satwinder Kaur reminisced about her early days playing cricket with boys and breaking window panes in the neighbourhood. The family stood by her throughout her journey. The celebrations continued with family members dancing to dhol beats as Amanjot and Harleen travelled home in an open vehicle, accompanied by Cheema and others.
Prime Minister's Praise
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the team at his residence. He praised their resilience and ability to bounce back after facing three consecutive defeats. In a lighter moment, Modi commented on Amanjot's juggling catch during the final match.
The triumphant return of Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol marks a significant achievement for Indian women's cricket. Their success has inspired many, highlighting the importance of support and opportunity for women in sports.
With inputs from PTI
