NEW DELHI: Victory and defeat are part and parcel of a sportsperson's life, but true sportsmanship should always prevail - something beautifully witnessed at the end of the ICC Women's World Cup final between India and South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
After clinching their maiden Women's World Cup title with a 52-run victory over South Africa, the Indian team exemplified true sportsmanship by consoling the heartbroken South African players after their defeat.
Indian players, including Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, momentarily stepped away from their team's celebrations to console the distraught South African players - a gesture that won hearts across the cricketing world.
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In videos and photos shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on social media, Mandhana and Jemimah were seen comforting South Africa's Marizanne Kapp, Laura Wolvaardt, and others in an emotional post-match moment.
India's historic triumph in the 13th edition of the global showpiece saw them join an elite list of champions, becoming only the fourth team to lift the coveted trophy after Australia (7), England (4), and New Zealand (1).
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With the victory, Harmanpreet Kaur's side finally laid to rest the heartbreaks of 2005 and 2017, delivering India's long-awaited World Cup crown - a true watershed moment for women's cricket in the country.
After posting a commanding 298 for 7 - the second-highest total in tournament history - India held their composure to bowl out South Africa for 246 in 45.3 overs, sealing a memorable 52-run win.
