Beating Retreat 2026: Armed Forces Honour Indian Women’s World Cup Champions with Grand Tribute - Watch

New Delhi, Jan 29: In a breathtaking fusion of military tradition and sporting pride, the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk concluded this year's Republic Day celebrations with a historic tribute.

As the sun set behind the Raisina Hills, the Indian Armed Forces performed a spectacular drone and manual formation in the shape of a massive cricket trophy to honour the Indian Women's Cricket Team for their monumental 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup victory.

A Symbolic Convergence at Vijay Chowk

The Beating Retreat ceremony, which traditionally marks the end of the four-day Republic Day festivities, took on a modern and emotive flavour this year.

Amidst the soul-stirring notes of martial bands, hundreds of personnel moved with surgical precision to create a glowing trophy-shaped

formation. The tribute served as a powerful acknowledgment of "Nari Shakti" (Women Power), celebrating the athletes who brought home the world title on home soil just months prior.

President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several dignitaries watched in awe as the formation illuminated the evening sky, symbolising the nation's collective gratitude. The inclusion of this sporting milestone in a high-profile military event underscores the growing cultural impact of women's cricket in India.

The tribute was a poignant reminder of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 final, where the Women in Blue etched their names in history with their maiden titular triumph. By integrating this achievement into the Beating Retreat, the government and the Armed Forces highlighted that sporting excellence is as much a part of national defense and pride as military prowess.

The ceremony also featured traditional favorites like Sare Jahan Se Achha, but the "Trophy Formation" - on the tunes of Aataa Uthavu Saare Raan - stole the show, trending instantly across social media platforms. It was a fitting finale for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, bridging the gap between the discipline of the barracks and the glory of the cricket pitch.