The Indian women’s World Cup win was not just a sporting achievement, but a cultural one. It might turn out to be a political one too, but that will depend on societal changes and governmental attitudes.

The 2017 tournament saw the transition of Harmanpreet Kaur from player to legend. Her unbeaten 171 in the semifinal victory against Australia gave Indian women’s cricket credence and self-confidence. Eight years later, it is fitting that the maiden triumph came under her captaincy. Harmanpreet, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma and the rest kept a country awake beyond midnight, and too excited to sleep thereafter. But no one is complaining.

The Prime Minister congratulated the team with “This historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports.” Easily said, but not so easily done.

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