It was celebration all the way from Chandigarh to Mohali on Friday morning as world champions Harleen Deol and Amanjyot Kaur returned home after India’s victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The two cricketers received a grand homecoming with a roadshow that drew huge crowds and heartfelt cheers along the route.
As their flight landed at Chandigarh Airport, family members, fans and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to welcome the champions. Punjab ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer were also present to greet them. The excitement was such that traffic jams formed outside the airport as supporters thronged the area with flowers, flags and posters.
The players then began a celebratory roadshow from Chandigarh Airport to their homes in Mohali. Riding in open jeeps decorated with flowers and banners, Harleen and Amanjot waved to fans who lined the streets, showering them with love and applause. The scenes reflected a wave of pride across Punjab as the two athletes brought global glory to the state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier interacted with the players and congratulated them for their performance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, met the team after their victory, a video of Harleen Deol playfully asking him about his glowing skin later went viral on social media.
Speaking to reporters, Harleen said, “It feels like a dream come true. My family’s constant support gives me the confidence to play freely. Everyone should follow their passion and keep working hard, dreams do come true.”
Amanjyot, said, “It feels like the whole of Punjab has come out to welcome us. This kind of respect means everything. Our families have been our biggest strength.”
As the roadshow made its way into Mohali, the streets turned festive, with dhol beats, colours and chants celebrating two young women who made Punjab and India proud.