Three stars of India’s triumphant campaign in the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 — a batter, Pratika Rawal; a bowler, Renuka Singh Thakur; and an all-rounder, Sneha Rana — who played pivotal roles in bringing glory to the nation, met Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. All three players, representing every facet of the game are proud employees of Indian Railways. The Union Minister congratulated them for their outstanding contributions to India’s historic World Cup victory.

The Union Minister said he was happy to meet the World Cup–winning champions. He added that the Indian women stars shared inspiring stories from their journey and on-field experiences over the years.

Happy to meet our World-Cup winning champions! 🏆

They shared inspiring stories from their journey and on-field experiences over the years. pic.twitter.com/0EupC4D80J

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 13, 2025

Pratika Rawal, an opening batter from Delhi, representing the Delhi Division of Northern Railway, joined Indian Railways in April 2023 and was recently promoted to Senior Clerk. Despite sustaining an injury during the early stages of the World Cup, she remained a constant source of motivation and support for her teammates throughout the tournament. Known for her composed batting and ability to construct an innings with precision, Rawal combines it with a deep understanding of the game. Since making her One Day International debut late last year, she has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the format.

Renuka Singh Thakur, a right-arm medium-fast bowler from Himachal Pradesh, representing the Ambala Division of Northern Railway, joined Indian Railways in December 2020 and has since been a consistent match-winner with the ball, playing a crucial role in many of India’s victories. During the recent World Cup, she made a significant impact by claiming three important wickets that proved vital to India’s successful campaign. Following the team’s historic triumph, Renuka was warmly felicitated by her villagers and local authorities in a ceremony that celebrated her contribution to India’s maiden Women’s World Cup win.

Sneh Rana, an all-rounder from Uttarakhand, representing the Moradabad Division of Northern Railway, has been associated with Indian Railways since 2018. Known for her right-arm off-spin and dependable middle-order batting, she played a key role in India’s early matches of the tournament. Sneh wrapped up her World Cup campaign with seven wickets in six matches, including best figures of 2/32, and contributed valuable runs with the bat, scoring 99 runs at an impressive average of 49.50.

Indian Railways has long been a powerhouse in nurturing India’s sporting talent, with its athletes bringing glory to the nation at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. Railway sportspersons have earned prestigious national honours, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, for their outstanding achievements.

Through the Railway Sports Promotion Board, Indian Railways provides world-class training facilities, job security, and institutional support. It identifies and nurtures talent from ordinary families, offering deserving individuals the opportunity to excel in sports. With stable employment, performance-based incentives, and consistent encouragement, Indian Railways continues to empower athletes to achieve excellence on national and global stages.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma

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