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In a heartwarming display of national pride, a few of India’s star women cricketers came together to cheer for the Indian football team during one of their matches against China at the 19th Asian Games.
Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s arrival in China
It is worth mentioning that the Indian women’s cricket team is also gearing up to participate in the ongoing Asian Games, and they recently arrived in China brimming with enthusiasm. But with a few days left before their own cricket match, they decided to seize the opportunity to support their national football team.
Smriti Mandhana cheer for Indian Football Team alongside her teammates
Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was also among the other team members cheering for the Indian football team from the stands. Her infectious enthusiasm was matched by none other than Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Devika Vaidya, who were equally elated to witness their compatriots in action. The delightful video of the same was recorded by Smriti, and she even shared it on her Instagram story.
Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket announces 15-member strong women’s squad for the 19th Asian Games; Chamari Athapaththu to lead the side
Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Devika Vaidya’s childlike enthusiasm
The clip captured Harmanpreet, Devika, and Jemimah in their element, cheering like excited children. The video quickly gained traction on the internet, with fans and fellow athletes applauding the heartwarming moment.
“These Kids,” Smriti captioned the video.
Here’s the video:
Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur and Devika Vaidya cheering for Indian football team at Asian Games… 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DnLRW2DWCU
— Dialectical Guy (@dialecticalguy) September 20, 2023
While their support for the Indian football team was a memorable moment, the Indian women’s cricket team had their own journey ahead at the Asian Games. The Women’s cricket competition at the Asian Games will be held in the T20 format, and although the matches started on September 20, India will make their entry into the field on September 21 against Malaysia as they were among the four nations seeded directly to the quarter-finals of the event.
BCCI’s last-minute squad change
Although India’s squad for the 19th Asian Games was already announced, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a few days back made a change and added Pooja Vastrakar as the replacement for the injured Anjali Sarvani.
It’s important to note that the 19th Asian Games mark a historic return of cricket to this prestigious multi-sport event. The last time cricket featured in the Asian Games was in 2014.
