The High Commission of India hosted the Indian Women's Cricket Team for a colourful and musical community celebration at India House in London.
The squad, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, was greeted by young children waving the Indian Tricolour as they made their entrance amid wide applause and went on to lead the Indian National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ on stage.
Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami said: “These young women are definitely part of something bigger, because what they have done is to revolutionise sport and to revolutionise the idea of participation in everything in India.
“When I was younger, the idea of playing for India perhaps came to only some people and came to largely boys. Today there is nothing that young Indian women feel they cannot do because of you and an earlier generation of cricket players.”
The High Commissioner lauded the team for being a symbol of a rising India – fearless, focused, and full of potential. He praised the players for not just their performance on the field but also for being role models for millions of young Indian girls around the world.
Some of the key players took to the stage for a candid in-conversation session moderated by Deputy High Commissioner to the UK Sujit Ghosh, the captain of the High Commission’s cricket team. Batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared her journey in the sport and also agreed to sing a few lines on friendship from the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Sholay’.
Team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana added: “Just keep turning up for the games, we have two more left (in the T20I series) – in Manchester and Birmingham. Your support means everything to us.”
The underlying message was one of unity, ambition, and the unstoppable rise of women in sport. The players were greeted with heartening applause, cheers, and even a few emotional moments as the audience showed their support and admiration.
“What is so important in today’s modern world is that we find time for physical wellbeing, which is important for our mental wellbeing and in building leadership and character. And, in all of those areas, you are a true inspiration,” said UK Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra.
The team continue their T20 series against England with their match at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester this week.
(With ANI Inputs)
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