Sports Minister Vijay Goel felicitates Mithali Raj and Co for proud performance at ICC Women's World Cup in England

New Delhi: Sports Minister Vijay Goel felicitated the Indian cricket team led by Mithali Raj for their stunning performance in the ICC Women's World Cup, where there were defeated by 9 runs in the final at Lord's.

The Sports Ministry, led by Vijay Goel, executed a grand felicitation ceremony for Indian players, who were greeted with huge cheers on Mumbai airport as they marked their return from England on Wednesday.

We are ready to welcome the Stars of the Indian Women's Cricket Team. Watch it live in few minutes from now! pic.twitter.com/2tZsW5U5Md — Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) July 27, 2017

Goel also tweeted a video and photos of the ceremony, showing the sports fraternity lauding Indian women's spectacular performance.

It was great meeting & interacting with Warriors of Indian Women's Cricket Team who won the hearts of 1.25 billion Indians & inspired youth. pic.twitter.com/vxZ5DKKEAe — Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) July 27, 2017

Felicitation Indian Women's Cricket Team https://t.co/xTK1DakSku

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) July 27, 2017

"Our women's cricket team has done exceedingly well and any form of appreciation will be less for them. Despite ending as runner-ups, I feel that the women's team has won the finals because they have won the hearts of the entire country," Goel said.

Welcoming the team, Goel said these players have "inspired youths, especially millions of young women across the country to take up sports as a career".

"From Rio Olympics to Paralympics and in games like hockey, wrestling, badminton, and now the splendid performance in the Women's World Cup, Indian women are leading the way in the international sporting arena. The minister said that the message is clear - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and now Beti Khilao," the ministry said in a statement.

Reiterating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision to involve youth in sports, Goel said the idea is "Kheloge to Khiloge (Those who play, they shine)" to develop the overall personality of the youth.

Later in the day, Mithali Raj and Co will also be felicitated by the Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI).

The board had also anonunced Rs. 50 lakh award to each member of the team for their performance at the event.