In India, sports are not merely a source of entertainment; they have become a powerful medium of national pride, social transformation, and women’s empowerment. For a long time, Indian society regarded sports as an activity meant primarily for men. Women were often confined to domestic responsibilities and were considered unfit for physical competition. However, this perception has changed over time. From the post-independence era to the present day, Indian women have established their presence in every field, and their achievements in sports have been especially inspiring.
Over the past few decades, Indian sportswomen have brought immense glory to the nation in numerous international competitions. P.T. Usha in athletics, Karnam Malleswari in weightlifting, Mary Kom in boxing, Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu in badminton, and Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur in cricket have proved that women are no less capable than men on the field of play. These athletes have not only won medals but have also contributed to changing the mindset of society toward women in sports.
Cricket has become India’s most popular sport, yet women’s cricket received its due recognition much later. The Indian women’s cricket team was formed in 1973, a time when there were neither major sponsors nor a large audience. In the early years, women’s cricket did not enjoy the recognition that men’s cricket did. Facilities were limited, media coverage was minimal, and players faced numerous social challenges. Nevertheless, Indian women cricketers refused to give up. Through discipline, dedication, and consistent performance, they gradually captured the nation’s attention.
In the 2005 and 2017 Women’s World Cups, India finished as the runner-up. The 2017 final, played against England, was a turning point. Although India lost, Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant 171-run innings showcased the true power of Indian women’s cricket. That match changed public perception and significantly boosted interest and support for women’s cricket across the country.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup became a golden chapter in the history of Indian women’s cricket. Hosted in India, the tournament saw the Indian team lift the World Cup trophy for the very first time. India defeated seven-time champions Australia in the semi-final and went on to beat South Africa by 52 runs in the final. This victory ended a 47-year wait. It was not just a sporting triumph but also a symbol of Indian womanhood—resilience, confidence, and collective strength personified.
Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur displayed exceptional leadership throughout the tournament. Batters like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave India strong starts with their aggressive batting style. Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur played key roles with the ball. The victory was the result of a united team effort, with every player performing her role with dedication and determination.
With this historic achievement, women’s cricket gained unprecedented popularity in India. The tournament received extensive media coverage, and social media was flooded with messages of admiration for the players. For the first time, the viewership of women’s cricket matches rivaled that of men’s matches. The advertising industry also embraced women cricketers as brand ambassadors, proving that success and popularity in sports depend on performance—not gender.
The social impact of this victory has been profound. It sent a powerful message to girls across the country that with hard work and opportunity, they too can achieve global recognition. Daughters from small towns and rural areas found new inspiration in this win. Parents’ attitudes began to shift, and more families started encouraging their daughters to pursue sports as a career. This triumph marked a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in sports.
Economically too, this win carried great importance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) implemented an equal match-fee policy for women players—a historic decision in the pursuit of gender equality. It boosted the players’ confidence and reinforced the notion that their contribution was as valuable as that of their male counterparts. Moreover, the government and private organizations expanded facilities such as training centers, scholarships, and sponsorships for women athletes.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup was not merely a tournament—it became a symbol of social transformation. Just as Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup victory turned men’s cricket into a national movement, Harmanpreet Kaur’s 2025 triumph transformed women’s cricket into a matter of national pride. It was India’s “new 1983 moment,” redefining leadership, perseverance, and confidence for women in sports.
Yet, challenges remain. Rural areas still lack adequate sports infrastructure; the presence of women as coaches and administrators remains limited; and gender bias persists in sections of sports journalism. The government and sports institutions must invest in women’s sports on a long-term basis, promote sports education, and create an environment of equal opportunity.
The relationship between women and sports in India has now evolved from mere participation to one of identity and respect. The victory in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup proved that when given faith, resources, and opportunity, Indian women can excel on the world stage. This triumph symbolizes not only success on the cricket field but also the empowerment of women across society.
Today, Indian women are not just participants in sports—they are leaders, decision-makers, and role models for future generations. This historic success marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s sporting culture. It is now our collective responsibility to sustain this momentum so that future generations can take this legacy even further.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup demonstrated that daughters are no longer confined to the home—they are the pride of the entire nation. This victory is a declaration of India’s feminine power: a power that fears no struggle, breaks all barriers, and gives history a new dimension. India’s triumph heralds a new era—one in which women and sports have become synonymous.
The writer is Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communication and New Media, Central University of Jammu. umesh.mcnm@cujammu.ac.in
