Tributes paid to India Women's Cricket World Cup win at Beating Retreat ceremony
New Delhi, January 29
A special tribute to India's Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 triumph was given at the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on Thursday.
The ceremony was graced by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Beating Retreat ceremony marked the culmination of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
The bands of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, and the Central Armed Police Forces played foot-tapping melodies as people cheered and applauded the synchronised marches, with soldiers forming the shape of the World Cup trophy to honour the Indian Cricket Team's maiden Women's World Cup win.
The Indian Women's cricket team created history in 2025 by winning their first-ever ICC Women's World Cup, completing a dramatic turnaround after being written off mid-tournament. Following three consecutive losses to South Africa, Australia and England, India revived their campaign with a crucial win over New Zealand and went on to script a record-breaking 339-run chase against Australia in the semifinals--the biggest in any World Cup knockout match, before defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final.
Deepti Sharma delivered a historic all-round performance in the World Cup, earning Player of the Tournament award with 215 runs and 22 wickets, including a match-winning 5/39 and a half-century in the final. Shafali Verma starred in the final with 87 runs and two wickets. After heartbreaks in the 2005 and 2017 finals, India delivered a clinical performance to defeat South Africa and lift the trophy.
Notably, the World Cup victory also marked a crowning moment for head coach Amol Muzumdar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony traces its origins to military traditions and features massed bands of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force performing patriotic and classical tunes, creating a solemn and stirring atmosphere.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The soldiers forming the World Cup trophy shape must have been an amazing sight. It's fantastic that the armed forces bands paid this tribute. Jai Hind!
Deepti Sharma was absolutely phenomenal. Player of the Tournament with those stats! And Shafali Verma in the final... just wow. This win has changed women's cricket in India forever. More investment in women's sports, please!
While the tribute is lovely, I do hope this recognition translates into sustained support. The women's team needs consistent backing, not just ceremonies. Equal pay, better facilities, and more matches should be the real tribute.
After the heartbreaks of 2005 and 2017, this victory tastes so sweet. Harmanpreet Kaur and Amol Muzumdar finally got their moment. What a journey! From being written off to champions. This team has shown true grit.
Beating Retreat is such a solemn ceremony. Integrating this sporting achievement into it beautifully blends national pride in defence and in sports. A fitting end to Republic Day celebrations.
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