India raised a toast to the women’s cricket team after its historic maiden World Cup victory, with leading sports personalities, political figures, corporate honchos, Bollywood actors calling it a “defining” moment that could inspire an entire generation.

It was a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket as years of toil and near-misses culminated to redemption and history, with the team defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final Sunday night to become only the fourth side to lift the ODI title.

“1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women’s Cricket Team has done something truly special,” cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on ‘X’.

“They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day.

“This is a defining moment in the journey of Indian women’s cricket. Well done, Team India. You’ve made the whole nation proud.”

Home Minister Amit Shah described the triumph as “a crowning moment for the nation”.

“Hats off to the world champion Team India. It is a crowning moment for the nation, as our team lifts the ICCWomensWorldCup2025, elevating India’s pride to the skies. Your stellar cricketing skills paved the path of inspiration for millions of girls.

“Congratulations to the entire team,” Shah wrote.

Calling it an iconic moment, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote: “History scripted! What an iconic performance by our Women in Blue. 140 crore Indians are cherishing this proud moment. Congratulations, World Champions!.”

Star cricketer Virat Kohli lauded the team for playing “fearless” cricket.

“Inspiration for generations to come, you’ve made every Indian proud with your fearless cricket and belief throughout. You guys deserve all the accolades and enjoy the moment to the fullest. Well done Harman and the team. Jai Hind,” wrote Kohli.

Former captain Mithali Raj said her dream of seeing Indian women’s team lifting the World Cup trophy was realised.

“Champions of the World. I’ve seen this dream for over two decades, to watch the Indian women lift that World Cup trophy. Tonight, that dream finally came true.

“From the heartbreak of 2005 to the fight of 2017, every tear, every sacrifice, every young girl who picked up a bat believing we belong here, it all led to this moment.

“To the new champions of world cricket, you didn’t just win a trophy, you won every heart that ever beat for Indian women’s cricket.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote: “What a moment of pride! Our Women in Blue have made history and touched a billion hearts. Your courage, grit, and grace have brought glory to India and inspired countless young girls to dream fearlessly.

“You didn’t just lift a trophy, you lifted a nation’s spirit.”

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan wrote: “India Women Cricket .. WORLD CHAMPIONS!! So much pride you have brought for us all .. CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS!!!!”

IPL side Punjab Kings owner and Bollywood actor Preity Zinta said women’s cricket will never be the same again after the World Cup win.

“These girls walked so you can run. Women’s cricket will never be the same again. Thank you to every girl in this Squad for making this happen. So so proud of this incredible team.”

Double Olympic medallist javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra also lauded the Indian women’s team for the historic victory.

“World Champions! Congratulations to the Indian women’s cricket team as they win their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title. What a performance!”

Indian Olympic Association and Hockey India also congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for winning the World Cup.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the women’s World Cup triumph will inspire a whole generation of youngsters.

“What was a nail biting women’s world cup cricket final, memories of 1983 and 2011 indeed. Congrats to team India, am sure will inspire a whole generation. Great tournament from South Africa too!” said the Indian American.

Former India opening batter Virender Sehwag also lauded the team, saying the win would inspire many to dream and shine in life.

“Champions! Har chauke har wicket, apne Jajbe se poore desh ka dil jeet liya! Proud of our World Champion girls. What a victory. Harmanpreet Kaur aur unki team ne poori generation ko sapna de diya jeetne ka, ladne ka, chamakne ka! CWC25,” he tweeted.

Indian batting great VVS Laxman wrote: “A truly inspirational performance that has not only brought immense pride to the nation but also inspired a generation to dream big. This is a win that will echo through generations.”

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane wrote: “Your spirit, grit, and belief brought the World Cup home. Many congratulations to Team India!”

India pacer Mohammed Shami said: “History created. Our women have turned dreams into reality – lifting the World Cup for India! You didn’t just win a trophy, you won a billion hearts. Every Indian is proud of you – true champions!”

South African batting legend AB de Villiers also congratulated the Indian team for the historic win.

“Congratulations Team India. Hold your heads high, ProteasWomenCSA. The global women’s game is booming… what a final, what a tournament! CWC25.”

Tributes also poured in from other sports personalities, including world chess champion D Gukesh, who wrote: “What a moment for Indian cricket! Huge congratulations to the Indian Women’s Team on winning the World Cup. Absolute champions!”

—PTI