On 2 Nov, the captain of India Women Cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur lifted the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Women's World Cup trophy after defeating South Africa (SA) at Dr Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai, India. India won the trophy for the first time in the last 53 years. Harmanpreet from Moga, Panjab forged through heartbreaks in 2017 and 2022, matured into calm authority in this tournament. Another player from Panjab Amanjot Kaur from Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar is the daughter of a carpenter who also made her first bat. Amanjot made her India team debut in 2023 and is a crisis specialist which she proved by catching SA captain Laura Wolvaardt who was steady at 101 in the 42nd over. The catch proved to be a turning point in the match. Harleen Kaur Deol is an opener from Chandigarh. The women’s cricket team has long been overshadowed by the men’s team. Despite the discrimination, women persisted and have reached their current position through sheer hard work and this win should inspire generations of young women. India is currently placed 131st among 148 countries on the Gender Gap Index, 174th among 181 nations on female representation in government or executive roles, and accounts for 40% of the world's child brides. The Board of Control of Cricket India had earlier brought women players at par with men players on match fees and has now announced a USD 4.48M reward. Amol Mazumdar became coach of the team in October 2023. In an India divided by bigotry earlier when Jemimah Rodrigues thanked Jesus Christ for her match-winning 127 runs in semi-final against the mighty Australia, she was targeted by the Hindutva trolls. However, after their final win Harmanpreet thanked Vahiguru (Awesome-Wisdom, God) and player of the match Shefali Verma too thanked Bhagwan (Adorable One, God). For players under pressure, it is natural to seek solace, and it was petty on the part of those who criticized them over their individual sources of strength (earlier coverage).
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Liv Forum provides a digest of analysis on major issues facing Indian (East) Panjab and Sikhs globally.
In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell the information of our subscribers.
