Amanjot, Harleen arrive home to heroes’ welcome

Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol received a heroes’ welcome upon returning home after their two-month gruelling campaign that culminated in a historic triumph — lifting the ICC ODI Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time.

For years, Amanjot (25) and Harleen (27) had seen all this happening with the celebrity cricketers of the region, but their day had not come till now. It was finally their day under the sun.

And, they had all the fun.

A two-hour flight delay to build the excitement at airport, dhol beats, unending rounds of Bhangra and Giddha by friends, family members and fans, garlands, a victory lap on open jeep around the town with top politicians in tow, kids seeking autographs and friends lunging for hugs even as the celebratory feast was getting cold at home.

Amanjot’s sister Kamaljot, brothers and relatives, who had come from near and far to receive their daughter, wore jerseys with the all-rounder’s picture and name on back. “The entire Punjab has come to greet and bless us. It is really a proud moment, which every sportsperson craves for. What more could one have expected,” said Amanjot Kaur, whose all-round performance in the final at Navi Mumbai vowed every Indian heart. Amanjot’s father Bhupinder Singh said, “It’s all because of the grace of God that we are getting so much respect and love.” In the mad rush at home, Amanjot found some time to cuddle up her Beagle breed dog. Harleen Deol’s father said, “Till today, everyone knew Harleen as my daughter, but today people are saying that he is Harleen’s father. It is a moment of pride for me.”

The Punjab Government rolled out a red carpet to welcome to the daughters of the state.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Member of Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora led the felicitation. “Our daughters have made Punjab and the country proud on the world stage,” Cheema said.

Recounting her experience after the winning the final, Harleen’s mother said, “Parents, elderly and children touched the soil of the ground in reverence as a win had come for the first time after decades of hard work.”

Capt Amarinder Singh congratulates cricket team

Former CM Capt Amarinder Singh has congratulated India’s women cricket team on winning the World Cup.

“I would like to specially acknowledge and congratulate Harmanpreet Kaur, whose leadership, talent and commitment have played a pivotal role in this triumph. During my tenure as Chief Minister, I was pleased to appoint her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Punjab Police in early 2018,” he said.