Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini honoured Shafali Verma, a player of the 2025 World Cup-winning Indian Women’s Cricket Team, with a cheque of Rs 1.50 crore and a Grade-A gradation certificate for her outstanding performance. In addition, the Haryana State Commission for Women has appointed cricketer Shafali Verma as its Brand Ambassador.
The Chief Minister presented the award at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir here today. Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel and Shafali Verma’s family members – her grandfather, father, and brother – were also present. The Chief Minister felicitated her with a memento and a shawl.
Congratulating Shafali Verma and her family, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is a hub of sports, and the daughters of the state have brought glory to the nation at the international level. He added that the daughter of Haryana played a pivotal role in the World Cup final, helping India become World Champions.
Cricketer Shafali Verma – an inspiration for the youth of the country
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that cricketer Shafali Verma has enhanced the pride of her family, the state, and the nation. She is a source of inspiration for the youth across the country.
The state government is formulating several schemes to promote sportspersons. Nearly 2,000 sports nurseries have been opened across the state to train children from the grassroots level and provide them with a platform to excel. The government stands fully with the youth.
He further said the state government is carrying out awareness campaigns through various means, including marathons and cyclothons, to encourage the youth to stay away from drugs. The Chief Minister also interacted with cricketer Shafali Verma regarding her meeting with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.
This victory belongs not just to our team, but to all women cricketers: Shafali Verma
Expressing her gratitude to the Haryana Government, cricketer Shafali Verma said that winning the World Cup brought immense joy. “This victory is not just our team’s success but that of every woman cricketer,” she said.
She added that the soil of Haryana is made for sports and that people across the state actively promote sporting activities. Shafali Verma said meeting the Chief Minister has greatly boosted her confidence.
She encouraged the people of the country and the state to work hard and always have faith in themselves. She appreciated the state government’s efforts to support sportspersons and urged young people to believe in their abilities, achieve their goals, and make their parents proud.
Present on the occasion were Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk; Director General Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and other senior officials.