World Cup winner’s homecoming: Arundhati Reddy gets a heartwarming reception

Cricketer Arundhati Reddy, who was part of the Indian team that won the country’s first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup, arrived at the Hyderabad International Airport on Thursday night to a lively reception, as tricolour flags waved and celebratory chants filled the air.

Among those waiting in the crowd was the 28-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler’s mother, Bhagya Reddy, watching her daughter return home to a hero’s welcome.

Talking about the team’s winning moment, she said, “I was there with my family, and I cannot even describe that moment. I was crying, screaming at the top of my voice, jumping like a small kid. After the trophy presentation, I came running down to the ground — it was such an amazing feeling.”

“Arundhati was around 10 or 11 when she started playing cricket with the boys in our colony,” recalled Bhagya, adding, “As a volleyball player myself, I have always valued sports highly. When I saw her interest growing, I decided to enroll her for coaching under Ganesh sir at Mahbub College in Secunderabad, the same coach with whom Mithali Raj had a brief stint during her playing career.”

A single parent and school teacher, Bhagya has quietly navigated life’s challenges while raising Arundhati. “I never showed my children the struggles I faced. Whatever problems I had, I kept them to myself. I saw the potential in Arundhati early on and made sure she got the right support and opportunities to pursue cricket. Parents should always encourage their children in whatever field they show interest in, that’s what truly matters,” she said.— Biswajit Talukdar