The streets of Mohali echoed with celebration and emotional reunions as World Cup champions Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur returned home to a hero's welcome on Friday. Five days after the historic victory against South Africa in Mumbai, the triumphant homecoming brought tears, dance, and overwhelming pride to Punjab.
Airport Buzzes with Anticipation
By 8 am, Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport had transformed into a sea of anticipation. Three-year-old Parnaaz Kaur stood clutching the national flag, her custom-made T-shirt featuring aunt Amanjot's photograph speaking volumes about the family's pride. "Amanjot bua trophy jeet ke aayi hai. Mainu chocolate vi milegi," she exclaimed, her smile widening with each passing moment.
Nearby, six-year-old Amber and four-year-old Tejas waited impatiently for their aunt Harleen Deol. Their parents had spent the entire previous night decorating a tractor and SUV with posters of the Indian women's cricket team. Neighbors joined the gathering spontaneously, the celebrations beginning without any formal start time.
Emotional Moments and Family Sacrifices
The atmosphere carried both joy and concern. Bhupinder Singh, Amanjot's father who works as a carpenter and contractor, repeatedly checked his phone for updates. His mother, Bhagwanti Kaur, lay hospitalized, eagerly waiting to see her championship-winning granddaughter. "India nu jeet ke aayi hai kudiyan. Biji theek ho jandi te oh sab ton waddi khushi hoyegi," he stated, his voice steadying amid the waving flags and cheering children.
Harleen Deol's parents, Charanjit Kaur and B S Deol, danced to energetic dhol beats as neighbors gathered around them. The celebration faced a brief interruption when police officials announced a flight delay due to air traffic control issues in Delhi. "Chalo, wait v hor sahi," her father responded philosophically, continuing to welcome visitors with folded hands.
Coaches and Champions Share Pride
The airport gathering included coach Nagesh Gupta, who first identified Amanjot's talent during her school days in Sector 32. "What more can a coach want than to see his ward return with a World Cup medal," he shared softly as cameras turned toward him. Dronacharya awardee Jiwantjot Singh Teja and former junior world boxing champion Mandeep Sandhu also joined the waiting crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of the prestigious medal.
"Punjab's daughters have shown what is possible when opportunity meets belief," Sandhu remarked, capturing the significance of the moment for the entire region.
The Long-Awaited Reunion
After more than three hours of waiting, the moment finally arrived. Amanjot and Harleen emerged from the airport to thunderous applause. Amanjot immediately touched her grandfather's feet before embracing her siblings, while Harleen found herself wrapped in her mother's arms as her elder brother, Dr Manjot Singh, struggled to hold back tears.
Security personnel guided the players toward open-top SUVs waiting outside, the crowd growing increasingly enthusiastic. "It feels like the whole of Punjab is here," Harleen expressed emotionally. "To return home with this medal and into these arms is overwhelming."
In the second vehicle, Amanjot spotted her coach and immediately invited him to stand beside her. "This medal is as much his as mine," she declared. "Families and coaches are the foundation of our journey."
Memories of Victory and Special Moments
As the cavalcade progressed toward Mohali, even traffic police paused to capture the historic moment on their phones. At Deol's residence in Sector 80, neighbors had been waiting for hours to celebrate their local hero.
When asked about the tournament's turning point, Harleen highlighted a crucial moment: "Amanjot's catch of Laura Wolvaardt. That was when we believed it was ours." She also fondly recalled her viral exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laughing as she shared, "Yes, I asked him about his skincare routine. He smiled and responded. He has always encouraged the women's team."
Family First: A Hospital Visit Before Celebration
Before heading home, Amanjot made a heartfelt detour to the hospital where her grandmother awaited. "Amanjot is like oxygen for her and she is oxygen for Amanjot," her father explained. "Seeing each other today is the real victory."
When she finally reached her neighborhood, even the catering staff at the local park paused their work to request selfies with the champion. Amanjot, with her dog Laxie comfortably settled in her lap, reflected on the Prime Minister's recognition of her crucial catch. "The Prime Minister mentioned Surya Kumar Yadav's catch in the T20 final last year. That felt special."
Outside, her mother Ranjit Kaur joined relatives for a brief dance before returning to the hospital. "It is my mother-in-law's blessings that have brought Amanjot here," she affirmed.
And in the sweetest conclusion to the emotional day, young Parnaaz finally received her promised chocolates. "Bua chocolates nahi bhuldi," she announced triumphantly, her face already smeared with chocolate evidence.
In Mohali, the celebrations transcended mere spectacle, embodying the profound love, immense pride, and heartfelt joy of families and communities who had waited patiently for their champions to return home victorious.
