Indian women’s cricket team star and World Cup champion Shafali Verma received a grand welcome upon her arrival in Rohtak on Sunday. On behalf of the Haryana Government, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, along with former minister Manish Kumar Grover, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, BJP State Vice President Satish Nandal, District President Ranbir Dhaka, Mayor Ram Avatar Valmiki, former Mayor Manmohan Goyal, SDM Ashish Kumar, and Chairman of Sampla Market Committee Uday Bhan Malik, as well as many eminent citizens, greeted her with flower garlands and warm felicitations.
At the local Circuit House, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi honoured Shafali Verma and her family with a turban and shawl, symbols of respect on behalf of the government. He announced that the state government would give full recognition and respect to Shafali Verma’s achievements and added that Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini would personally meet her on November 12. Shafali Verma’s family members were also present on the occasion.
Sh. Bedi said that the Indian women’s cricket team has made the entire nation proud by winning the World Cup. Haryana’s athletes have consistently been among the top medal winners in international competitions. He praised Shafali Verma for her exceptional performance throughout the World Cup, calling her victory a matter of pride for both the country and the state.
He said, “The victory of the women’s cricket team has not only inspired the youth but also filled even the elderly with renewed enthusiasm and energy.” The Minister said that before 2014, previous governments used to reward athletes only after they won medals. However, the present government provides cash incentives even to players representing the country in international competitions.
Cricketer Shafali Verma dedicated her World Cup success to her family, saying that her parents’ blessings have always been her strength. She said she played the tournament with hard work and composure, following a clear strategy in both batting and bowling. She said that meeting Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi was an unforgettable experience for the entire team.
The Prime Minister spent nearly two hours with the players, congratulating and encouraging them for their historic achievement. She urged young athletes to work hard with focus and determination to achieve their goals in life.