Maharashtra CM Honors Women's Cricket World Cup Champions with Cash Rewards

Celebrating the Triumph of Women's Cricket

On Friday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis honored cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav, who were part of the Indian Women's World Cup-winning team, presenting each with a cash prize of Rs 2.25 crore at his official residence, 'Varsha', in Mumbai.

During the ceremony, Fadnavis praised the athletes as the "pride of Maharashtra" and expressed that their achievement would motivate young girls to pursue sports and excel on international stages.

The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, made history by clinching their first-ever global title—the 50-over World Cup—by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final held in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav. PTI

Fadnavis remarked, "You have made Maharashtra proud. Your victory has brought immense joy to the state. Jemimah's century in the semifinal was pivotal, leading us to the finals. The team's resilience and unity exemplify true teamwork." He noted that the World Cup, traditionally dominated by a few countries, has now come to India for the first time, which is a significant achievement.

He emphasized the importance of camaraderie among the players, stating that team spirit and strong bonds were crucial to their success.

Fadnavis added, "In professional cricket, success is unattainable without support. The contributions of coaches, support staff, and mentors are vital."

He highlighted Smriti as an iconic player, praised Jemimah for her entertaining style, and commended Radha's inspiring journey.

The Chief Minister also recognized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and ICC Chairman Jay Shah for their efforts in promoting women's cricket.

The team's coach, Amol Muzumdar, received a cheque of Rs 22.5 lakh, while each support staff member was awarded Rs 11 lakh.

Notable attendees included bowling coach Avishkar Salvi, former cricketer Diana Edulji, analyst Aniruddha Deshpande, logistics coordinator Aparna Gambhirrao, and support staff members Mihir Upadhyay, Poorva Kate, and Mamta Shirurulla.

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana expressed her gratitude to the people of Maharashtra and acknowledged the vital role of their support system in achieving success.

"Thank you for this honor, especially in Mumbai, which makes it even more special. Maharashtra has always stood by us. In 2017, we were also celebrated as runners-up. Many of our support staff hail from this state, and this victory is a testament to their hard work," she stated.

Muzumdar praised the players for their unwavering focus and determination over the past two years.

"When we arrived in Mumbai for the semifinals and finals, we felt a strong belief that something historic was about to unfold," he remarked.

"The skill level of these players is extraordinary. They had one dream—to win the World Cup—and they dedicated themselves to it," he added.

Radha Yadav shared her pride in being honored in such a manner for the first time, expressing gratitude to all who supported her.

Rodrigues stated, "Our primary goal now is to leave the game in a better state for future generations. The joy on my parents' faces means everything to me." Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar drew comparisons between the women's team's victory and India's 1983 World Cup win.

"When Kapil Dev lifted the World Cup, cricket became a religion. Today, these women have achieved the same for their generation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that you have won hearts. Diwali was celebrated again after your victory," he noted.

He concluded by stating that this triumph illustrates how girls from rural India can bring pride to the nation when given opportunities.