The Indian Women’s cricket team was felicitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in New Delhi on Thursday for their stupendous performance in the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup. The Indian eves were superlative all through the tournament but faltered in the final hurdle against hosts England and lost the final by a mere nine runs.

While the Women’s team players received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000,00, the support staffs got Rs. 25,000,00. The Indian eves lost a hard fought final against England despite being ahead in the match for the majority of the time.

The cash prize was handed over to the players and support staffs by Vijay Goel, who is Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. He conceded that despite the Indian girls losing the final, they have the won the hearts of the entire country.

“I believe that our women’s cricket team has done exceedingly well that any form of appreciation will be less for them. Despite ending as runner-ups, I feel that the women’s team has won the finals because they have won the hearts of the entire country. And winning the hearts of the entire country is so big thing that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, `We are proud of you`. And that is why PM Modi says `if you play, you will flourish`,” Goel said.

The Union Minister also added that India’s performance in the 50 overs World Cup has made sure that the spectators and fans are more aware of the women cricketers.

“The country was not aware much about the women’s team prior to the World Cup, but now after the final match, people are aware of all women players. So, I want to congratulate Mithali Raj and her entire team. The female players have done so well in cricket; I want to congratulate them on behalf of the entire sports ministry. I also want to congratulate the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). I also want to congratulate the coaches, team managers and supporting staff of the team,” Goel added.

India began their tournament journey with a resounding victory against hosts England and followed it up with victories against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan but two losses on a bounce out them in a precarious situation. They bounced back strongly and defeated the Black Caps by a convincing margin and then thrashed six-time champions Australia to enter the final.