Mumbai: “Let us become not just a cricket-loving nation but a sports-loving nation,” said Amol Muzumdar, head coach of the India women’s national cricket team, which won its maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup on Sunday. Muzumdar was speaking during a felicitation ceremony organised by residents of Jay Vijay Cooperative Housing Society in Vile Parle (East), where he lives.
‘My Father’s Advice Helped Me Stay Grounded’
Addressing residents who gathered in the society premises on Monday evening, Muzumdar shared a personal reflection.
“My father’s advice to me during the World Cup was to keep on working. When I was playing, his message was to keep on playing. That these sets of advice would culminate in a World Cup win is unbelievable,” he said in Marathi, drawing applause from neighbours.
Credit to Players and Their Hard Work
Muzumdar credited the team’s success to the dedication and discipline of the players, particularly Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol.
“The players have embraced the idea of hard work and commitment. I have witnessed it with my own eyes for the past two years. I don’t know whether I’ll be part of future World Cups, but please keep wishing us success,” he said.
‘Proud to Be a Jay Vijaykar’
As cheers filled the premises, Muzumdar expressed gratitude to his community.
“I am a proud Jay Vijaykar. Whenever I am asked in Zimbabwe, England, or Australia where I stay, I say I live in Jay Vijay in Parla. I came to stay here in 2003; it has been 22 years. I remember it because I got married 23 years ago,” he said, smiling at the clapping audience.
A Domestic Cricket Stalwart
Although Muzumdar never played for India, he is regarded as a domestic cricket legend, having scored nearly 11,000 first-class runs. In October 2023, the BCCI appointed him as the head coach of India’s women’s cricket team a move that culminated in the country’s historic triumph on the world stage.
