Deepti Sharma’s family celebrates World Cup triumph:Mother says, ‘first we will do son’s wedding’; UP government announces ₹1.5 crore award

‘Many proposals are coming for Deepti’s marriage. First, let me arrange her elder brother’s wedding. Only then will I think about Deepti. A daughter-in-law has not yet entered the house, so how can I think about my daughter’s marriage?’ These are the heartfelt words of the family of Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who played a pivotal role in making India champions for the first time in the Women’s World Cup. Deepti, a resident of Agra, was awarded Player of the Tournament for her outstanding all-round performance. Her entire family is overwhelmed with joy, and celebration continues at home and across the neighbourhood. Agra Colony beaming with pride Avadhpuri Colony in Agra, where the family lives, is now a centre of attraction. Once known for Arjuna Awardee Deepti Sharma, it is now recognised for a World Cup-winning star. Government officials, VIPs and well-wishers are visiting constantly, and the area remains spotless with special cleanliness arrangements. The Sharma family moved here in 2000, when Deepti was very young. She first learnt to hold a bat in the lanes of this very neighbourhood, once uneven but now gleaming with newly built concrete roads. Residents eagerly await her return to celebrate their ‘daughter of Agra’. Mother: ‘We miss her Chiwda every day’ Deepti’s mother, Sushila Sharma, shared: On marriage, she reiterated:’Let me first get her older brother married, then I will think about Deepti.’ Father: ‘Never be arrogant, no matter how big a star’ Her father, Shri Bhagwan Sharma, recalled their conversation after the win:’I told her, no matter how big a player you become, never be arrogant. Stay grounded, as you have always been.’ He said when Deepti is home, neighbours don’t realise she is an international star because of her simplicity. He added that many organisations have been calling to honour her, just as they did after the 2017 World Cup final when India finished runners-up. Brother: ‘She fulfilled my dream’ Her brother Sumit Sharma, who runs a cricket academy and has played Under-16, Under-19, Vinoo Mankad and CK Nayudu tournaments, said, ‘I felt I wouldn’t progress further in cricket, so I lived my dreams through Deepti.’ Deepti developed her passion watching him during stadium practice sessions, sometimes only as a spectator on the sidelines, until she was allowed her chance. World cup glory Deepti finished as India’s highest wicket-taker in a single Women’s World Cup season, 22 wickets, surpassing Shashikala Kulkarni’s record of 20 from 1981. The World Cup-winning Indian women’s team will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a celebratory dinner on Tuesday. The team arrived in Delhi from Mumbai on a special flight. Deepti said the squad will decide on a special gift for the Prime Minister, possibly a team-signed jersey or bat. Yogi government’s honour The Uttar Pradesh Government will award Deepti ₹1.5 crore for being part of the World Cup-winning squad, in line with the state’s sports honour policy.