Prime Minister Narendra Modi Hosts Mithali Raj & Co., Lauds Them For World Cup Show

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday (July 27), hosted India’s women team that finished runner-up at the ICC Women’s cricket World Cup and rightly told the players that 125 crore Indians carried their defeat in the final, on their shoulders, and this was, in fact, their greatest victory.

Mithali Raj & Co. had made it to the World Cup after playing the qualifiers and not surprisingly most of the people had not given them even an outside chance of making it far in the tournament. However, the Women in Blue proved everyone wrong as they defied all the odds to make it final. They sent out a statement of intent in the very first game by beating England before beating West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to prove their title-credentials. Two defeats threatened to derail their promising campaign but they bounced back in style by beating New Zealand by 186 runs to make it to the semifinal.

In the semifinal, they thrashed defending champions Australia and were agonisingly close to winning the final too before a collapse dashed their hopes. Chasing 229, they were 191 for 3 but lost their remaining 7 wickets for just 28 runs to lost the final by 9 runs. But despite the defeat, they have been showered from all over and Shri Narendra Modi also came out in support of the players.

The Prime Minister had posted a series of tweets before the final to wish luck to the team and to players individually. He had also tweeted soon after the match to hail the team’s performance and made sure to encourage the players by attending them after they returned to the country earlier this week.

The players also showed their love and respect for the Prime Minister by presenting him a signed bat.

Had a wonderful interaction with the Indian cricket team that took part in the women's cricket world cup. @BCCIWomen pic.twitter.com/750452ZzUx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Shri Modi once again posted a series of tweets to laud the women cricketers’ performance:

Delighted to meet the proud skipper of a proud team, @M_Raj03. Congratulated her for her leadership and her game. pic.twitter.com/qIQlOjPmHu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Met @mandhana_smriti. This remarkable player overcame an injury & played the WC. Her innings against England at Derby was stupendous. pic.twitter.com/WjVpsYEcn1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Was happy to meet Poonam Raut, who played consistently well through the World Cup. Her contribution to the team is invaluable. pic.twitter.com/GMSkUoyKIB

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

With the talented @ImHarmanpreet…congratulated her for her memorable innings against Australia & wished her the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/E2BRzLZNiv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Interacted with this all rounder par excellence, Deepti Sharma. At a rather young age, her remarkable accomplishments make us proud. pic.twitter.com/TC9yMZ03BO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Was great meeting you, @vedakmurthy08. Keep playing with the same focus and determination. Good luck! pic.twitter.com/C1So4kX9Bb

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

With @ImSushVerma…a reliable wicket keeper and wonderful player. pic.twitter.com/9PZCK4zbSy

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Jhulan Goswami is renowned not only in India but across the world for her bowling. Had a very good interaction with her today. pic.twitter.com/gqjFTHCHDF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Shikha Pandey is a promising player who made India proud in the recently concluded World Cup. pic.twitter.com/FeAO2iXQXq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

The contribution of Poonam Yadav to the team is immense. Spoke to her on a wide range of issues during our interaction. pic.twitter.com/p0ZVS6jYqh

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017