NEW DELHI: World Cup champions Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol received a hero's welcome as they arrived in Chandigarh on Friday, greeted with dhol beats, sweets, and thunderous cheers from their families, fans, and Punjab's top Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team created history last Sunday by clinching their maiden ICC 50-over World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a memorable final in Navi Mumbai.
To celebrate the homecoming of the two Punjab stars, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema and AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer led the reception at the Chandigarh airport. The ministers felicitated Amanjot and Harleen with shawls and sweets as elated family members and supporters waved flags and showered petals to mark the momentous occasion.
Speaking to reporters, Amanjot said, "This victory is of entire India, entire Punjab."
VIDEO | Mohali: Upon her return to hometown after India’s World Cup triumph, cricketer Amanjot Kaur says, “We played our part and God was always with us. We couldn’t sleep after the victory because of the excitement we had. Whenever I perform for the team, my father gets… pic.twitter.com/Bpp6MqFTT2
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 7, 2025
She also said that the team members did not sleep after the semi-final win over mighty Australia.
"Later, on the day of the (final) victory too, we did not sleep," she said.
Deol said her family always supported her dreams.
"Girls can bring laurels when given freedom and opportunity. My family always supported me. I want to give a message to parents that give freedom to your daughters ... I want to tell girls that they must follow their passion and work hard," Deol said.
"We had belief that we will do well and lift the Cup".
VIDEO | Mohali: Women’s World Cup champion and Indian cricketer Harleen Deol says, “I thank the Punjab government for this grand welcome. Everyone should dream big and work hard - god not only shows you dreams but also helps you realise those dreams.”#HarleenDeol… pic.twitter.com/a7YBupuHuL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 7, 2025
Hayer, who earlier also served as Sports Minister in the AAP government in Punjab before contesting last year's Lok Sabha polls, said the state government has a sports-friendly approach.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "On behalf of the Punjab government, I welcome all the daughters, they are making us proud. The daughters are bringing laurels in other sports too at various international competitions".
Amanjot's cousin Satwinder Kaur, meanwhile, recalled the time when the cricketer used to play with boys.
"She also broke many window panes in the neighbourhood while she used to play...The family supported her throughout to excel in life," she said excitedly.
The family members also danced to the beats of 'dhol'.
Later, the two players headed for their homes in an open vehicle, with their family members, Minister Harpal Cheema and some others accompanying them.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met the team at his residence and lauded the players for their remarkable resilience and comeback after enduring a tough phase marked by three consecutive defeats.
In lighter vein, Modi also spoke about Amanjot's juggling catch in the final.
(With PTI Inputs)
