Indians are celebrating after the women’s cricket team won the inaugural Under-19 World Cup, in what has been called a landmark moment in the history of women’s cricket in India.
India thrashed England by seven wickets in an exciting one-sided final held in South Africa on Sunday.
This is the first women’s cricket team to have won a world championship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called their victory a thrilling and inspiring moment for the country.
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said the win would “inspire a whole generation to take up sports”.
The official Twitter handle of Indian Women’s Cricket Team at BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) shared a short video on the champions.
President Droupadi Murmu said their victory has made the country proud. “Congratulations to Team India for winning the inaugural Under 19 Women’s T20 World Cup for Cricket! These talented young girls put up outstanding performance. These champions are an inspiration for our youth, especially the girls. The historic win has made India proud,” she tweeted.
The BCCI has also announced £500,000 in prize money for the squad.
For the team, the win has been an overwhelming moment. Photos and videos from the locker room showed them dancing and screaming in joy.
Captain Shafali Verma said she could not hold back tears while lifting the trophy.
“I will take this confidence forward to the senior T20 World Cup,” she said.