The Punjab government on Friday gave a grand reception to Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur, players of the ICC Women’s World Cup-winning team, upon their arrival at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali, where government representatives, joined by the players’ families and fans, greeted them with dhol beats and garlands.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora led the felicitation, joined by District Planning Board chairperson Prabhjot Kaur and other state government officials. “Our daughters have brought glory not only to Punjab, but to the entire nation,” said Cheema, adding that the government would soon honour the three players from Punjab, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur, for their historic achievement.

Hayer said the World Cup title would spark “a new revolution in women’s cricket”. He said world‑class talent is emerging from Punjab’s towns and villages, citing cricketing role models like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, among others. Cheema also highlighted the state’s sports policy, under which players are being recognised with cash awards and government jobs with an aim of restoring Punjab’s standing as a national sporting hub.

Thanking the people of Punjab and the state government, Harleen and Amanjot said the team’s achievement has inspired them to strive harder. Acknowledging the backing they got from their families, coaches and the BCCI, they urged parents to support daughters in pursuing sports.

Celebrations spilled on to Mohali’s roads as well as Amanjot and Harleen joined an open‑jeep victory procession with fans showering flowers petals on the players as they waved at the crowd. Amanjot’s father Bhupinder Singh, grandfather Ishar Singh, sister Kamaljot and coach Nagesh Gupta, and Harleen Deol’s parents BS Deol and Charanjit Kaur and brother Manjot Singh also joined the celebrations. Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Dronacharya awardee Jiwanjot Singh Teja (Director, PIS Training Centre) and District Sports Officer Rupesh Kumar Begra were also present.

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