The Punjab Government today gave a grand reception to World Champion cricketers Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur on their arrival at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali. The duo, members of India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup–winning team, were accorded a warm welcome by the State Government, District Administration and Sports Department amid festive celebrations, drums, and cheers.
Representing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Member of Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora led the felicitation. They were joined by District Planning Board Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, Jaswant Kaur and Councillor Sarbjeet Singh Samana. The atmosphere at the airport was electric, with Punjab’s pride being celebrated through dhol beats, flower garlands, and loud cheers from fans and supporters.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Our daughters have made Punjab and the entire country proud on the world stage. The Chief Minister will soon honour Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur for their historic achievement.”
He added that under the new Sports Policy, the Punjab Government is extending cash awards and government jobs to players, enabling the state to reclaim its position as India’s leading sporting hub.
MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that India’s World Cup victory would usher in a new revolution in women’s cricket. This triumph, he noted, is the result of teamwork and determination, and it demonstrates that world-class players are emerging from Punjab’s small towns and villages. He cited the examples of Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur, Arshdeep Singh, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur as inspirations for the next generation.
Expressing gratitude, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur thanked the Punjab Government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for honouring sportspersons and said that the warm welcome in their home state has inspired them to work even harder. They appealed to parents to encourage their daughters to pursue their ambitions and take pride in their achievements. Both players also expressed their thanks to their families, coaches, and the BCCI for their continuous support and guidance.
The celebrations at the airport culminated in a grand victory procession through the roads of Mohali, where both players were greeted with flower petals and traditional beats as they waved to cheering crowds from open jeeps. Among those present were Amanjot Kaur’s father Bhupinder Singh, Grandfather Ishar Singh, Sister Kamaljot, and Coach Nagesh Gupta, as well as Harleen Deol’s parents B.S. Deol and Charanjit Kaur, and brother Manjot Singh.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja (Director, PIS Training Centre), District Sports Officer Rupesh Kumar Begra, and a large number of sports enthusiasts and admirers who joined in celebrating Punjab’s world champions.