After five days India Women’s team lifted the World Cup trophy in Navi Mumbai, the celebrations continued in Mohali on Friday, November 7, as all-rounder Amanjot Kaur and top-order batter Harleen Deol returned home to a heartfelt reception marked by dhol, dance, and families holding back tears.
By 8 AM, Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport was already buzzing with excitement. Parnaaz Kaur, wearing a custom-made T-shirt featuring her aunt Amanjot’s photo, clutched the national flag tightly while holding her father Parminder Singh’s hand. Meanwhile, Amber and Tejas eagerly awaited their aunt Harleen, whose parents had spent the previous night decorating a tractor and an SUV with posters of the Indian team.
Harleen Deol parents, Charanjit Kaur and B. S. Deol danced to the sound of dhol as neighbours gathered to celebrate.
The festivities paused briefly when a police official informed the crowd that the flight had been delayed due to an air traffic control issue in Delhi.
Among those present at the airport was coach Nagesh Gupta, who first spotted Amanjot’s talent as a schoolgirl in Sector 32. Dronacharya awardee Jiwantjot Singh Teja and former junior world boxing champion Mandeep Sandhu were also there, eager to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winners.
“What more can a coach want than to see his ward return with a World Cup medal. Punjab’s daughters have shown what is possible when opportunity meets belief,” Sandhu said as quoted by The Indian Express.
Security personnel guided the players toward open-top SUVs waiting outside as the crowd’s excitement grew louder. In the second vehicle, Amanjot waved to her coach and asked him to stand beside her.
“It feels like the whole of Punjab is here. To return home with this medal and into these arms is overwhelming,” said Harleen.
“This medal is as much his as mine. Families and coaches are the foundation of our journey,” said Amanjot.
As the celebrations made its way through Mohali, even traffic personnel paused to film it. At Harleen’s home in Sector 80, neighbours had been waiting for hours. When asked about the turning point of the World Cup final, Harleen credited Amanjot’s spectacular catch of Laura Wolvaardt. She also shared a laugh over her widely circulated exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Before returning home, Amanjot visited the hospital to see her grandmother. Upon her return, even the catering staff at the local neighbourhood park paused their work to take selfies with the World Cup star.
India
