Renuka Singh Thakur Overwhelmed by Villagers’ Tribute After India’s Women’s World Cup Triumph

Indian fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur returned to an emotional reception in her ancestral village Parsa, located in the Rohru subdivision of Shimla district, after helping India clinch their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in 2025. The 28-year-old pacer, who took three crucial wickets during the tournament, was greeted with celebrations, garlands, and heartfelt tributes from villagers and local authorities who hailed her as a symbol of pride for Himachal Pradesh.

The event turned even more emotional when Renuka’s community surprised her with a short documentary chronicling her journey from the serene hills of Himachal to the world stage of international cricket.

“I feel really happy to be here, especially because of the documentary they made for me. I think this is the best gift I could have received,” Renuka said during the felicitation ceremony, visibly moved by the gesture.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience

Before attending the ceremony, Renuka visited the Hateshwari Mata Temple in Hatkoti to offer prayers and express gratitude for the team’s success. Speaking to reporters, she dedicated her achievements to her late father, her mother Sunita Thakur, and her uncle Bhupinder Singh Thakur, who played pivotal roles in shaping her cricketing career.

“My hard work is yielding results, but the credit goes to my mother and my uncle, who supported me from the beginning. I wouldn’t be here without them,” she said.

Renuka lost her father, Kehar Singh Thakur, when she was just three years old. Her mother single-handedly raised her and her brother while ensuring Renuka’s education and sporting aspirations continued uninterrupted. To honour her father’s dream, Renuka carries a tattoo of his name on her arm — a constant reminder of the journey they began together.

The Family That Built a Champion

Her uncle, Bhupinder Singh, first noticed her potential and enrolled her at the Dharamshala Cricket Academy, where she trained under coach Pawan Sen and fitness trainer Veena Pandey. Recalling the years of dedication, Bhupinder said,

“Her success is the result of 13–14 years of hard work and sacrifice. She never gave up, even when things got tough.”

Renuka’s story, marked by perseverance and humility, has struck a chord with fans nationwide.

Pressure, Determination, and Triumph

Reflecting on India’s World Cup campaign, Renuka admitted the path wasn’t easy. The team endured a tough phase after losing three consecutive matches in the group stage but managed to rally back and script history.

“There was a lot of pressure as we had lost three matches back-to-back, and the last three were crucial. But we were hopeful of winning the World Cup,” she said.

The victory, she believes, will have a lasting impact on how Indian society views women in sports.

“This win will inspire many families to let their daughters pursue sports seriously. I hope parents see this as proof that girls can make the nation proud,” she added.

Recognition and Rewards

Acknowledging her remarkable contribution, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a ₹1 crore cash reward and a government job for Renuka. The gesture was widely celebrated as a step toward supporting and motivating women athletes in the state.

“The Best Gift” From Her Villagers

The highlight of her homecoming was the documentary made by her villagers, featuring personal interviews, photographs, and local memories that captured her growth from a young cricketer in Parsa to a world champion.

For Renuka, it wasn’t the trophy or the accolades that meant the most — it was the love and pride of her people.

“This film made by my villagers is the best gift I’ve received. It reminds me that every dream, no matter how small, can begin in a tiny village and reach the world,” she said with emotion.

From the narrow paths of Parsa to global cricketing glory, Renuka Singh Thakur’s journey embodies India’s growing confidence in women’s sports. Her victory — both personal and professional — stands as an inspiration for young girls across the nation who dream of representing India on the world stage.

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