World Cup win signifies Indias womens empowerment, says Sports minister
"I would like to congratulate the Indian women's cricket team. The victory is a respect towards women's empowerment of the country. It's a victory of our women power," Mandaviya said
New Delhi: Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday praised the Indian women's cricket team for their maiden ODI World Cup title triumph, pointing it out a testament to women's empowerment in the country.
India beat South Africa by 52 runs in the final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday for first-ever Women's World Cup title.
"I would like to congratulate the Indian women's cricket team. The victory is a respect towards women's empowerment of the country. It's a victory of our women power," Mandaviya said during a programme on 100 years celebrations of Indian hockey.
Hockey has given India 13 Olympic medals including record eight gold, one World Cup triumph in 1975. The Sports ministry and Hockey India have grand plans to celebrate 100 years of the sport on November 7, with celebrations organised across the country.
More than 1,400 hockey matches will be played simultaneously across 550 plus districts throughout the country, involving over 36,000 players at the grassroots level.
"As India celebrates 100 years of hockey, we honour a century of pride, perseverance, and national glory. This milestone is an occasion to remember our heroes who brought honour to the country and to draw inspiration from their journey as we look ahead. Hockey is more than just a sport for India — it is part of our identity and collective spirit.
"The celebrations across more than 550 districts will not only highlight our legacy but also take the story of Indian hockey to every corner of the nation, inspiring young boys and girls to pick up the stick and play with passion," Mandaviya said.
Celebration of hockey
Exhibition matches of men & women) will be held, followed by felicitation of hockey legends across generations, while an official commemorative volume, "100 Years of Indian Hockey", will be released to mark the occasion.
"The government remains deeply committed to strengthening India's sporting ecosystem through greater investment, modern infrastructure, and institutional reforms. Our vision is clear — to make India one of the top sporting nations in the world by 2036 and to consistently perform at the highest levels in every discipline," the minister said.
"With continued collaboration between the ministry, the Sports Authority of India, and federations like Hockey India, we will continue to nurture young talent, expand access to sport, and ensure that India's tricolour flies high on every international stage."