Yesterday was more than just a cricket victory; it was the emotional culmination of a long-awaited, 50-year journey for Indian women’s cricket. When Harmanpreet Kaur’s team lifted the World Cup trophy, they weren’t just winning a title; they were finally laying the ghosts of past heartbreaks to rest. This was a historic moment of glory for India, earned through decades of struggle.

The path to the podium was incredibly difficult. The women who paved the way played a sport starved of attention, facilities, and even basic equipment. Former Indian captain Shantha Rangaswamy vividly painted a picture of those early days, where struggle was a way of life. Shantha Rangaswamy said, “From traveling in unreserved [train] coaches to sleeping in dormitories on the floor, we had to carry our own bedding, things like that. We had the cricket kit on the back like a backpack and suitcase in one hand.”

The current champions stand tall on the strong foundation built by those brave pioneers. But today, times have thankfully changed. The players now enjoy the facilities and support they truly deserve, thanks to the groundwork laid long ago. As Rangaswamy put it, happily connecting the past and present, “The foundation we laid back then, some 50 years back, is bearing fruit now.” She added, “But then, we’re so happy that the current lot are getting all the facilities. They deserve it, and the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The results are showing [now of] all the efforts the girls have put in…”

This final victory over South Africa was the sweetest reward. After beating the powerful Australian side, Rangaswamy felt the team’s destiny was sealed: “After this win over Australia, they deserve the cup… Harman played class.”

The impact of this historic achievement is immeasurable. The former skipper believes this moment will change the game forever, “This will propel a lot of girls to take to women’s cricket. I’m telling you, if we win this, in the next five years the number of women cricketers would have doubled or tripled in this country.”

The Indian women’s team has officially moved from relying on a backpack and a suitcase for travel to holding the world’s most coveted trophy. It is a true rags-to-riches story for the ages.