Haryana CM Honors Shafali Verma For World Cup Triumph

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday felicitated Shafali Verma, one of India’s Women’s World Cup-winning stars, for her outstanding performance in the tournament that brought glory to the nation. The ceremony took place at the CM’s official residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, where Saini honored the young cricketer with a shawl, a cheque of ₹1.5 crore, and a ‘Grade A’ sports gradation certificate.

In a warm gesture, Chief Minister Saini praised Shafali for her remarkable achievement and announced that she would serve as the brand ambassador of the Haryana State Women’s Commission. He expressed immense pride in her contribution to Indian cricket and stated that her victory serves as an inspiration for all young athletes in the state.

Sharing his message on social media, Saini wrote, “Today, I met Shafali Verma, the beloved daughter of Haryana and a member of the team that made India world champions with their historic performance in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for this remarkable achievement.”

He added that the Haryana government’s recognition of Shafali’s efforts through the cash reward and certificate symbolizes the state’s deep respect for sporting talent. “On behalf of the Haryana government, in honor of this outstanding performance, she has been awarded ₹1.50 crore in cash and a Grade A gradation certificate. This recognition will inspire Haryana’s sporting talents to reach even greater heights,” Saini said.

The Chief Minister also noted that Shafali’s success has brought immense pride not just to Haryana but to the entire nation. He said, “With her hard work and dedication, Shafali has not only brought glory to Haryana but also to India. Her achievement serves as an inspiration for all the daughters of the state. I wish her continued success in making the country’s name shine with her stellar performances.”

Saini further highlighted the state government’s continuous efforts to encourage young athletes. He mentioned that nearly 2,000 sports nurseries have been opened across Haryana, where children at the grassroots level are being trained and provided platforms to excel in various sports. “We are committed to developing Haryana as a leading sports state by nurturing talent from a young age,” he said.

During the ceremony, Shafali Verma expressed her gratitude to the Haryana government for the honor and support. “We are very happy to have won the World Cup. The spirit of sports is ingrained in Haryana, and everyone in the state encourages sports. I am thankful to the Chief Minister and the government for this recognition,” she said.

Shafali, who hails from Rohtak, was called into the India squad as a replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal just before the semifinal match against Australia. Although she did not perform significantly in the semifinal, she played a crucial role in the final against South Africa. Her brilliant all-round performance — scoring 87 runs and taking 2 wickets for 36 runs — helped India secure a 52-run victory and win the World Cup title.

Her match-winning contribution earned her the title of ‘Player of the Final,’ marking another proud moment for Indian cricket and for Haryana. Shafali’s confidence, aggressive batting, and determination were praised by teammates, coaches, and fans across the country.

The young cricketer’s journey from local cricket grounds in Rohtak to the global stage has been one of dedication and hard work. Known for her fearless batting style and composure under pressure, Shafali has become a symbol of hope for many aspiring female athletes in India. Her success continues to inspire young girls to pursue sports professionally and dream big.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Saini, Haryana continues to produce world-class athletes in various disciplines. From wrestling and boxing to cricket and hockey, the state has consistently contributed to India’s sporting excellence. The recognition of Shafali Verma is part of Haryana’s broader mission to celebrate and encourage sporting talent, especially among women.

The felicitation event also reflected the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment and equality in sports. By naming Shafali as the brand ambassador for the Haryana State Women’s Commission, the government aims to use her story to motivate young girls to follow their dreams with confidence and determination.

As the celebrations concluded, Shafali expressed her hopes to continue representing India and bring more glory to her country. “Winning the World Cup was a dream come true, but I want to keep improving and make India proud in future tournaments,” she said with a smile.

With her growing list of achievements and the support of her home state, Shafali Verma stands as one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket’s future, embodying the spirit of resilience and excellence that defines Haryana’s sporting culture.