India’s Women Create History: Diana Edulji Hails World Cup Win as ‘1983 Moment’
<p>A new chapter in Indian cricket history was written on Sunday as <strong>Team India’s women</strong> lifted their <strong>first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup</strong>, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final. The moment, hailed as “India’s 1983 for women’s cricket,” has ignited waves of pride, joy, and emotion across the country.</p><p>Former India captain <strong>Diana Edulji</strong> — a pioneer of women’s cricket in the country — described the victory as a dream fulfilled. “It is our 1983 moment,” she said, comparing it to the men’s iconic World Cup triumph that changed Indian cricket forever. “The girls have done exceptionally well. I congratulate the team, the BCCI, and the ICC for their continued support of women’s cricket. I have waited for this since 2017. Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma deserve special mention for winning both the U-19 and senior World Cups. The girls truly deserve every bit of this glory.”</p><p>After near misses in <strong>2005 and 2017</strong>, the Indian women finally conquered the summit, fueled by <strong>Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 runs</strong> and <strong>Deepti Sharma’s brilliant all-round performance</strong> — 58 runs and a five-wicket haul (5/39). The combination of fearless batting, disciplined bowling, and team unity delivered India their long-awaited global crown.</p><p>The emotional triumph has drawn applause from all corners — from cricket legends to political leaders.</p><p><strong>Prime Minister Narendra Modi</strong> congratulated the team, calling it “a proud and inspiring moment for the entire nation.”<br>“This is India’s first Women’s World Cup. I congratulate our women’s cricket team. Your success will inspire millions of young people across the country,” he said.</p><p>In a post on X, the Prime Minister added:</p><blockquote><p>“A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance showed great skill, teamwork, and confidence. This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports. #WomensWorldCup2025.”</p></blockquote><p><strong>President Droupadi Murmu</strong> also joined in celebrating the team’s milestone, calling it a <i>“watershed moment”</i> for Indian sport.<br>“My heartiest congratulations to every member of the Indian women’s cricket team. They have created history by winning the title for the first time. This moment will take women’s cricket to even greater heights,” she posted on X.</p><p>Former Indian players were effusive in their praise. <strong>Syed Kirmani</strong>, part of the 1983 men’s World Cup-winning team, called Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues “the darlings of the team,” commending their resilience and comeback after a rocky start to the tournament. “Their composure and spirit were remarkable,” he said.</p><p><strong>Madan Lal</strong>, another 1983 hero, said this victory would change the face of women’s cricket in India. “This is a turning point. More girls will take up cricket now, and we’ll see greater investment, infrastructure, and recognition,” he said. He also lauded <strong>Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership</strong>, calling her “a captain who led by example, both emotionally and strategically.”</p><p><strong>Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir</strong> praised the team’s unity and spirit, writing on X:</p><blockquote><p>“You’ve not just created history — you’ve created a legacy that will inspire generations of girls.”</p></blockquote><p>From the men’s team, cricketers across generations showered admiration:</p><p><strong>Ravichandran Ashwin:</strong> “Congratulations @BCCIWomen, that was one hell of a campaign.”</p><p><strong>Irfan Pathan:</strong> “Brilliant play. Deepti Sharma, what a player you are. Shafali, well done.”</p><p><strong>Shikhar Dhawan:</strong> “@TheShafaliVerma’s fearless batting and @Deepti_Sharma06’s all-round class made all the difference. Champions in every sense.”</p><p><strong>Virat Kohli</strong> on Instagram: “The girls have created history. I couldn’t be prouder as an Indian. Years of hard work have paid off. This will inspire generations. Jai Hind.”</p><p>Cricket icon <strong>Sachin Tendulkar</strong> drew a powerful parallel with the men’s 1983 triumph:</p><blockquote><p>“1983 inspired a generation to dream big. Today, our women’s team has done something truly special. They’ve inspired countless young girls across the country to believe they can lift that trophy too. Well done, Team India — you’ve made the nation proud.”</p></blockquote><p><strong>ICC Chairman Jay Shah</strong> congratulated both teams and highlighted the record-breaking audience figures, calling it “a monumental step in the evolution of women’s cricket.”</p><p><strong>Nita M. Ambani</strong>, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, summed up the national sentiment, saying,</p><blockquote><p>“At the stroke of midnight, our girls have made India proud. Through courage, conviction, and confidence, they’ve brought glory to the nation. Jai Hind.”</p></blockquote><p>As celebrations erupted across cities — from Delhi and Mumbai to smaller towns and villages — the victory stood as more than a sporting achievement. It became a moment of empowerment, unity, and inspiration for millions of young girls who now dare to dream of lifting the tricolor on the world stage.</p><p>With this win, Team India’s women have not just claimed a trophy — they’ve claimed a legacy.</p>