Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday interacted with India’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning stars - Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur, through video conferencing, congratulating them for scripting a golden chapter in Indian cricket.
Beaming with pride, the Chief Minister said Punjab was overjoyed to see its daughters lift the world title. “Punjab diyan shernia have made history,” he said, adding that the entire country was celebrating their victory, but for Punjab, it was a matter of double pride. “You girls have made Punjab shine on the world map.”
A passionate cricket follower himself, Mann told the players that he had watched every ball of the final. He fondly recalled Harmanpreet’s leadership, Harleen’s solid fielding and Amanjot’s match-defining catch, saying, “Amanjot da catch was the trophy itself.” He said beating Australia, a team with world-class facilities, made the win even more special. “You girls have proved that talent and willpower matter more than infrastructure,” he said.
During the conversation, Mann playfully asked captain Harmanpreet Kaur whether she would bring the trophy to Punjab. “Punjab da geda luvao trophy nu (bring the trophy for a round across Punjab),” he said. Smiling, Harmanpreet replied that the trophy would remain at the BCCI headquarters. Mann laughed and responded, “I will talk to them and ask them to send it — the captain’s state deserves to host it for a day.” The light-hearted exchange drew laughter from all three players.
Mann announced that the state government would soon honour the champions upon their return. “There was a time when daughters were not even allowed to be born, and today they are winning World Cups for India. You girls have proved that when given a chance, daughters can make history,” he said.
Harmanpreet thanked the Chief Minister for personally encouraging sportspersons and promoting sports culture in Punjab. “This victory belongs to every girl who dreams big. The government’s constant support has given us confidence and motivation,” she said.
Harleen Deol shared that she was once stopped from entering a stadium to play but kept fighting for her dream. “Those early struggles made me stronger,” she said, adding that the CM’s support during games like Commonwealth Games, Olympics had inspired many athletes.
In a lighter moment, Mann compared Harmanpreet’s captaincy decisions to political rallies. “Just like a good first rally gives confidence for the next ones, a captain’s smart call gives belief to the whole team,” he joked, adding that Harman’s bhangra after receiving the trophy captured the true spirit of Punjab.
The CM also praised other Punjabi sportspersons like Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and national hockey captain, saying the state had always been a cradle of champions. “Punjab continues to make the nation proud — and now our daughters are leading from the front,” he said.
Amanjot Kaur said the whole team and their families were overjoyed. “We are waiting to return home and celebrate with everyone in Punjab. This victory belongs to all of us,” she said.
Concluding the interaction, Mann congratulated the players’ families and said the state would give them a hero’s welcome. “You are Punjab da Maan. Once you’re back, we’ll celebrate across Punjab and your win will inspire generations of girls to dream big,” he said.
