AI Generated Summary
- Officials clarified that her elevation to Superintendent of Police (SP) is not currently feasible, as she was reinstated as DSP only in 2024 and must complete the requisite years of service before qualifying for promotion.
- The victory has been hailed across the country as a defining moment for women’s sports in India, inspiring a new generation of athletes from small towns and villages.
- In 2018, she faced a setback when questions arose over the validity of her bachelor’s degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, which was not recognized by the University Grants Commission at the time.
The Punjab government is preparing a grand felicitation for its three homegrown stars who played a pivotal role in India’s historic Women’s T20 World Cup victory. Each of the players—captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur—is set to receive a cash reward of ₹1.5 crore, marking one of the state’s most generous gestures toward women athletes.
According to official sources, while Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur are likely to be offered government jobs, Harmanpreet Kaur—who already serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)—may not receive an immediate promotion. The government is reportedly exploring alternative ways to honour her extraordinary contribution to Indian cricket.
Awaiting the Captain’s Return
The state will host a formal felicitation ceremony once Harmanpreet returns to Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to personally interact with the trio, though officials have yet to confirm whether the event will mirror Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s televised interaction with the victorious team and coaching staff earlier this week.
Sources in the government confirmed that Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Sangrur MP Meet Hayer, a former Sports Minister, have already finalized the details of the awards. A formal announcement is expected soon after the captain’s homecoming.
No Fast-Track Promotion for Harmanpreet
Despite her leadership in India’s first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup triumph, Harmanpreet’s rise within the Punjab Police hierarchy remains bound by service norms. Officials clarified that her elevation to Superintendent of Police (SP) is not currently feasible, as she was reinstated as DSP only in 2024 and must complete the requisite years of service before qualifying for promotion.
Notably, hockey player Manpreet Singh, also a DSP, has been awaiting his promotion since 2021 despite an earlier government assurance—highlighting the slow-moving nature of promotions within the state police cadre.
A Journey of Resilience
Harmanpreet’s police career has seen both triumph and turbulence. In 2018, she faced a setback when questions arose over the validity of her bachelor’s degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, which was not recognized by the University Grants Commission at the time. The issue led to her demotion from DSP to constable, just months after her celebrated appointment following India’s 2017 World Cup campaign.
The star batter maintained her academic credentials were genuine and had been accepted by the Railways in her previous employment. After completing a fresh degree through Lovely Professional University, she was reinstated as DSP in 2024—a reinstatement that came just months before leading India to global glory.
Golden Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
India’s women’s team, under Harmanpreet’s leadership, scripted history last week by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium to clinch their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title. The victory has been hailed across the country as a defining moment for women’s sports in India, inspiring a new generation of athletes from small towns and villages.
With Punjab now preparing to honour its cricketing heroes, the celebrations promise to go beyond the glitter of trophies—reflecting a growing recognition of women athletes as trailblazers of national pride.
