Let daughters fly, says Harmanpreet’s father after World Cup win

The quiet town of Moga turned into a hub of joyous celebration today as the parents of ICC Women’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur returned home from Mumbai. After witnessing their daughter lead India to a historic victory against South Africa in the final, Harmandar Singh Bhullar and his wife, Satvinder Kaur, were greeted by an emotional outpouring from relatives, neighbours, and an ecstatic local community.

The victory, which secured India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup trophy, has catapulted Moga onto the global map, transforming the city’s mood into an early, glittering festival. Today, the Bhullars’ residence has become a magnet for well-wishers, with people pouring in to congratulate the proud parents. Neighbours who had watched Harmanpreet’s journey from the dusty local grounds brought sweets, with people from all walks of life offering their congratulations.

Beaming with pride, Harmanpreet’s parents expressed their immense happiness. “Our daughter has brought glory to the entire nation, and we are incredibly proud of her,” they said. “The love she is receiving from across the country is our greatest joy. Our girls played with heart and brought the World Cup home.”

“Let daughters fly,” said Harmanpreet’s father, Harmandar Singh Bhullar, a former athlete himself, using the moment to deliver a powerful message to society.

“People often say not to send daughters out of the house, but we say: let them fly, recognise their talent, and support them. If given a chance, daughters too can touch the sky. Today, our family has a global identity because of our daughter. What greater happiness could there be?”

His words carry special resonance in Moga, where Harmanpreet’s journey began - playing cricket with boys at the Guru Nanak College ground, often with her dupatta (scarf) tied around her waist, a striking image of a girl defying tradition to chase her dream. Her first mentor, Kamaldeesh Singh Sodhi, who offered her free coaching and schooling after spotting her talent, said with emotion, “Our lives and hard work feel fulfilled today.”

Sodhi recalled how he had to personally convince Harmanpreet’s parents that a girl could make a career in cricket. Harmanpreet’s career stands as a testament to perseverance. As a young girl, she was often the only female among 30 to 35 boys on the field. Her father, a clerk at the Moga district court, stood firm against societal pressure, determined to give his daughter the sporting career he himself could never pursue.

The victory is being hailed locally as a symbol of women’s empowerment, proving that world champions can emerge from small towns like Moga — armed only with grit, talent, and an unyielding dream. For a generation of young girls watching the triumph, Harmanpreet’s victory is more than just a cup — it’s an inspiration.

“It proves that even from small towns like Moga, world champions can rise — with courage, conviction, and an unyielding love for the game,” said Akashdeep Singh, a local cricketer from Moga.