Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday announced a cash reward of ₹1 crore for international cricketer Renuka Thakur, who hails from the Rohru area of Shimla district. Renuka was part of the World Champion Indian Women’s Cricket Team that recently clinched its maiden Women’s World Cup 2025 title in Mumbai.
CM Sukhu personally spoke with Renuka over the phone to congratulate her and the entire Indian squad for their historic victory. He said he had watched both the semi-final and final matches, lauding the team’s exceptional performance.
“The entire state is proud of Renuka Thakur, who has brought glory to Himachal Pradesh on the world stage. Her dedication and success will inspire many young girls to pursue their dreams,” Sukhu said.
As news of India’s triumph spread, celebrations erupted in Renuka’s hometown of Parsa in Bashar, Shimla district. Her family, friends, and villagers gathered to mark the occasion with sweets, songs, and traditional dances. The Thakur household was filled with joy and preparations began to welcome their daughter home with full honours.
Renuka’s mother, Sunita Thakur, expressed immense pride and gratitude:
“This is a moment of great happiness for us and for the entire country. Our daughters have made India proud by bringing home the World Cup. What they have achieved after years of struggle is beyond words.”
Recalling Renuka’s early years, Sunita said her daughter’s cricketing journey began on a small village ground:
“When she was just four or five, she would play with her cousins and neighbourhood boys using makeshift bats and cloth balls. One day, her uncle noticed her talent and said, ‘This girl has something special.’ That’s how it all began.”
Renuka later trained at the Cricket Academy in Dharamshala, overcoming financial and logistical challenges along the way. “We supported her dream however we could — sometimes by borrowing money for travel or kits,” Sunita added.
Before the final match, Sunita blessed her daughter, saying, “You’re not playing just for yourself — you’re playing for India, for Himachal, and for every parent who dreams through their daughters.”
Since the victory, the village has been in constant celebration, with residents offering prayers and expressing gratitude to local deities for their blessings.
India lifted the Women’s World Cup 2025 after defeating South Africa in a thrilling final held in Mumbai on Saturday evening.
