New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed her joy after meeting the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside her teammates, celebrating their victory at the Women’s World Cup. She shared her excitement about being referred to as ‘DSP’ by the PM.

Deepti, who was awarded Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance, noted that the Prime Minister had an impressive grasp of personal details, including her Instagram bio and her favorite dish, paneer.

“I’m filled with happiness, and it’s rewarding because everyone has awaited this moment eagerly. The dream of all Indians — and mine too — has been realized with our World Cup triumph. We’ve made history, and I believe this will be remembered for ages,” Deepti shared with IANS.

“Our conversation with him was inspiring, and his encouraging words resonated with us. Meeting him was a privilege. We also had the honor of meeting the President, which was equally delightful. Listening to the Prime Minister is captivating; I always find his speeches uplifting. He encouraged us to continue striving for excellence and assured us of his blessings. He acknowledged our achievements, which is a source of immense pride for our nation, wishing us continued success,” Deepti added.

“He carved time from his busy schedule for us and engaged in a lengthy conversation. He spoke about Lord Hanuman and was aware of my devotion to him, even recognizing my Hanuman tattoo. I shared with him how it motivates me during challenging times. It was touching to learn that he knew I write ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on Instagram — a significant recognition for me that he keeps track of everything. He also mentioned that paneer is his favorite food too, which was lovely to hear. Regardless of my mood, chanting Hanuman Ji’s name uplifts me. Alongside my family, he serves as my greatest strength, granting me motivation and energy. It's uplifting to see Modi Ji sharing this belief in Hanuman Ji, which imbues him with such positive energy,” she elaborated.

Deepti also highlighted a memorable moment from her encounter with the Prime Minister, expressing her delight at being referred to as ‘DSP’.

“It was a wonderful moment when he addressed me as ‘DSP’ and asked, ‘You tell us.’ I appreciated that he recognized me in that manner.”

Additionally, Deepti mentioned that the PM encouraged the women’s team to support underprivileged communities and assist aspiring female athletes in pursuing their sporting ambitions. She expressed her hope that parents would champion their daughters’ sports endeavors and motivate them to excel in competitions. The spin-bowling all-rounder believes India’s World Cup victory will catalyze a shift in societal attitudes.

“He emphasized that wherever we go, we should uplift young girls, especially from regions with limited opportunities to participate in sports, ensuring India’s name shines in the sporting world. Support from any individual or team is uplifting. When we rally behind each other, it fosters a positive mindset — it feels like there’s someone cheering for us. Hearing Modi Ji say, ‘You keep playing, we are with you,’ is incredibly affirming. I hope everyone witnessed the World Cup and gained valuable insights,” she remarked.

“I aspire for as many girls as possible to engage in cricket and thrive in sports. I also wish for families to support their daughters — to encourage, not hinder their participation in sports. Our path has been progressive, and winning the World Cup final has shifted perceptions. Families are increasingly expressing the desire for their daughters to play, particularly cricket. I truly sense a growing interest among individuals — this change has been palpable over the years, especially in parental attitudes,” she concluded.

Finally, the 28-year-old commended the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its pivotal support of the women’s team, especially through the establishment of the WPL and its focus on Test cricket, affirming that the board’s backing was key to the team’s historic World Cup win.

“Following this World Cup, women’s cricket will undergo significant changes. Numerous advancements have already emerged, thanks to the BCCI’s robust support for women’s cricket. The WPL (Women’s Premier League) has been launched, and Test cricket is also being played. The BCCI’s support is vital for the growth of women’s cricket.”