Navi Mumbai

India on Sunday raised a toast to the women's cricket team after its historic World Cup victory, with leading sports personalities and political figures 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 in an evening of redemption and history, with the team defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final to become only the fourth side to lift the ODI title.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur dancing in joy while going to receive the World Cup from ICC Chairman Jay Shah

"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.

Elated team India after lifting the Women's World Cup Cricket Cup 2025

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

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! #INDWvsSAW #WomensWorldCup2025."

Amanjot Kaur and Renuka Singh Thakur celebrate the wicket of Tazmin Brits

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 Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh watching the World Cup Final

Former India opener 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. @ImHarmanpreet Kaur aur unki team ne poori generation ko sapna de diya jeetne ka, ladne ka, chamakne ka! #CWC25," he tweeted.

Jamimah Rodrigues after taking a wicket

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."

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur touching the feet of coach Amol Majumdar after winning the World Cup

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