Like 1983, Women's World Cup win will inspire countless young girls: Tendulkar

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team on winning the World Cup, calling the victory a defining moment in the journey of Indian women’s cricket.

Tendulkar said the team has inspired young girls across the country to take up the sport and step onto the cricket field. "They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day," he said in a post on X. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the team and said that "this historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports." 

"A spectacular win by the Indian team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Finals. Their performance in the final was marked by great skill and confidence. The team showed exceptional teamwork and tenacity throughout the tournament. Congratulations to our players," he added. 

India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final held at the Navi Mumbai Stadium. The hosts posted a score of 298/7 batting first, against which South Africa fell short at 246. Shafali Verma scored 87 runs and took two wickets to claim the Player of the Match award. Deepti Sharma took five wickets. Meanwhile, Laura Wolvaardt's ton for South Africa did not help them clinch the victory.

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi said the team had 'not just lifted a trophy, but lifted the nation’s spirit.' "What a moment of pride! Our Women in Blue have made history and touched a billion hearts. Your courage, grit, and grace have brought glory to India and inspired countless young girls to dream fearlessly," he said. 

Indian batting ace Virat Kohli also congratulated the team, saying that the win is an inspiration for future generations. "The girls have created history and I couldn’t be more proud as an Indian to see the hard work of so many years come to life finally. They deserve all the applause and a big congratulations to Harman and the whole team for achieving this historic feat. Also congratulations to the whole squad and the management for the work behind the scenes. Well done india. Enjoy the moment to the fullest. This will inspire generations of girls to take up the sport in our country," he said.