Surat-based industrialist and Rajya Sabha member Govind Dholakia has announced a special gesture for the Indian women’s cricket team following their historic ICC Women’s World Cup victory in Navi Mumbai. Dholakia has proposed gifting handcrafted diamond jewellery and rooftop solar panels to every member of the champion side as a mark of appreciation for their achievement.
In a letter written to BCCI honorary vice president Rajeev Shukla before the final against South Africa, Dholakia expressed his intention to reward the team’s efforts both on and off the field. “To celebrate their extraordinary journey, we at Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) would be honoured to present each member of the champion Indian team with handcrafted natural diamond jewellery – a token of appreciation for their brilliance and resilience,” the letter stated, as reported by PTI. He further added, “Along with this, we would also like to gift rooftop solar panels for their homes, so that the light they bring to our nation continues to shine in their own lives as well.” Known for his philanthropic initiatives, Dholakia said the gesture was a way to recognise the courage and discipline of the players who have inspired millions with their performances. He noted that the players “have already won the hearts of a billion Indians with their courage, discipline and determination,” adding that the “heartfelt gesture” reflects a belief that “true success must uplift both people and the planet.”Dholakia is the founder and chairman emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports.In addition to this, the BCCI has announced a Rs 51 crore reward for the World champions, with the ICC’s Rs 39.78 crore adding to the pool. The ICC’s reward marks a 297 percent jump from the 2022 edition, underlining the rapid global rise of women’s cricket. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side made history on Sunday, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to claim India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup crown. Celebrations have continued since the win, with the team leaving their hotel to loud cheers from fans as they head to New Delhi, where they are expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
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On Monday, captain Harmanpreet posed with the World Cup trophy at the Gateway of India, recreating MS Dhoni’s famous 2011 World Cup-winning pose, adding to the several images that quickly spread across social media.