Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra bows down to India U19 Women players as mark of respect post T20 World Cup glory

India’s Olympic gold medalist  javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, gave a standing ovation to the Women’s U19 players after they lifted the junior level world cup by getting the better of England women with an emphatic seven-wicket victory in the final at Potchefstroom on Sunday, January 29.

Neeraj, who ended India’s 13-year long hiatus for an elusive gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was the guest of honor for this special occasion and he walked on to the field to congratulate the emerging women’s cricketers from India who were celebrating a well-deserved world title triumph.

In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its official social media handles, an elated Neeraj Chopra can be seen clapping while making his way to the field to join the players’ celebrations before bowing down to them as a mark of respect.

The reigning Olympic gold medalist then exchanged handshakes and pleasantries with the players and the staff members of the Indian team before skipper, Shafali Verma, handed over the trophy to him.

Watch the video here:

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Neeraj Chopra had earlier interacted with the Shafali Verma-led side prior to their summit clash against England, urging them not to get carried away by pressure and give their 100% on the big day. Furthermore, he had also advised them to never forget their background after attaining celebrity status.

Neeraj had also donned the Team Indian jersey as well.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦! 👏🏻👏🏻

Just the motivation #TeamIndia needed ahead of the inaugural #U19T20WorldCup Final!

🗣️🗣️ Hear what Javelin thrower & Olympic Gold medallist @Neeraj_chopra1 had to say to the #WomenInBlue before the summit clash 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/vyDDedAj0v

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 29, 2023

The Girls in Blue rewrite history

Coming back to the contest, the Indian bowlers and fielders showcased outstading performances in the first innings as a result of which England were bowled out for a paltry total of 68 runs in the 18th over. However, the English bowlers were not to be taken lightly as they had skittled out Australia for just 96 runs and successfully defended 99 in a low-scoring thriller in the semifinal.

England did made things difficult for India to a certain extent by taking three wickets, but the middle-order duo of Soumya Tiwari (24*) and Gongadi Trisha (24) ensured that history was rewritten by India as they became the first-ever Women's U19 T20 world champions.

Apart from that, this also happens to be India's maiden world title in women's cricket history.

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