In a moment of unparalleled national pride, India clinched its first-ever ICC Women's World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final held in Navi Mumbai on November 2, 2025. While the nation erupted in celebration, the victory held a bittersweet note for the family of all-rounder Amanjot Kaur. Unbeknownst to the young cricketer, her 75-year-old grandmother, Bhagwanti Kaur, had been silently battling health issues, a secret the family guarded to ensure Amanjot remained focused on the World Cup.
Bhagwanti Kaur, according to Amanjot's father Bhupinder Singh, has been the bedrock of her granddaughter's aspirations. From her early days playing cricket with neighborhood boys in Mohali, Bhagwanti was a constant presence, cheering her on and ensuring no one interfered with her game. "When Amanjot played street cricket with boys near our house, my mother would watch her for hours," Bhupinder Singh said.
However, as India's World Cup journey progressed, Bhagwanti suffered a heart attack in September and had been bedridden since then. The family, including Bhupinder, his wife Ranjeet Kaur, and Amanjot's siblings, Kamaljot Kaur and Gurkirpal Singh, made the difficult decision to keep the news from Amanjot. They feared that the knowledge of her grandmother's illness would distract her from the crucial matches. According to Bhupinder, they didn't want her to lose focus while playing in the ICC Women's World Cup at home.
The sacrifices and quiet strength of the Kaur family reflect the struggles and triumphs that often lie behind sporting achievements. Bhupinder, a carpenter, has been a pillar of support for Amanjot, even crafting her first bat by hand when she was denied a chance to play due to not owning one. He stayed up all night crafting a bat from leftover wood, showcasing his unwavering belief in his daughter’s potential. This deep personal meaning was felt when watching his daughter lift the trophy.
Amanjot's journey to the World Cup was paved with dedication and hard work. She honed her skills at coach Nagesh Gupta's academy in Chandigarh from the age of 15, initially training as a bowler before developing into an all-rounder. She debuted in domestic cricket for Punjab in 2017–18, played for Chandigarh in 2019–20 and returned to Punjab in 2022–23. In the World Cup final, Amanjot's crucial catch to dismiss South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt proved to be a turning point in the match.
The news of India's victory and Amanjot's performance has, according to Bhupinder, breathed "new life" into his ailing mother. Discharged from the hospital at the family's request to be home for the final, Bhagwanti was conscious when told of the win and opened her eyes, a testament to the emotional connection between her granddaughter's success and her own well-being.
Amanjot called her family around 1 a.m. after the victory. Her father believes that the win has motivated his mother to live longer, emphasizing that "She has been the driving force behind Amanjot's success".
Amanjot's success is not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for women's cricket in India. She recognized the growing support for women's cricket, with parents encouraging their daughters to pursue the sport. Her journey, supported by her family's quiet resilience and her grandmother's unwavering belief, is an inspiration to young girls across the nation.
