CM Sukhvinder Sukhu praises women’s cricket world cup hero from Rohru for making state and nation proud
TNR News Network
SHIMLA:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday (November 3, 2025) personally congratulated Renuka Singh Thakur, the star pacer of India’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket team, over a phone call and announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore for her outstanding achievement.
During the conversation, the Chief Minister praised Renuka’s performance in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, where India lifted the trophy for the first time after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a historic final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Sukhu lauded her disciplined bowling spells that played a crucial role in restricting the South African batting lineup, calling her “the pride of Himachal and an inspiration for millions.”
Proud moment for state
Chief Minister Sukhu said that the entire state was proud of Renuka’s contribution to India’s World Cup victory. “Renuka Singh Thakur has brought immense glory to Himachal Pradesh. Her dedication, perseverance and talent reflect the spirit of our youth. As the daughter of the soil, she has shown what hard work and determination can achieve,” he said.
The CM added that a cash reward of Rs 1 crore will be presented to Renuka as a mark of recognition for her exemplary performance and for making Himachal’s name shine on the world stage. He also assured that the state government would continue to support young sportspersons, especially women, who aspire to represent India in international arenas.
Renuka’s road to glory
Hailing from Parsa village in Rohru in Shimla district, Renuka Singh Thakur’s journey to cricketing stardom is nothing short of inspirational. Losing her father at a young age, she was raised by her mother, Sunita Thakur, who worked as a Class IV employee to support the family.
It was Renuka’s uncle, Bhupendra Singh Thakur, a physical education teacher, who first identified her talent and guided her to join the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Academy in Dharamshala.
From her early days in local tournaments to representing Himachal at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels, Renuka steadily rose through the ranks. She earned national recognition during the 2019-20 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, where she claimed 23 wickets, paving her path to the Indian team.
Since her debut in 2021, Renuka has emerged as one of India’s most reliable pace bowlers. In the 2025 World Cup final, although she didn’t take multiple wickets, her tight bowling in the death overs proved vital in keeping South Africa’s scoring rate under control — helping India script history.
Government support and future prospects
The Chief Minister’s announcement comes amid growing public demand in Himachal to honour Renuka with a formal state appointment, similar to the recognition given to kabaddi legend Ajay Thakur, who was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the Virbhadra Singh-led government in 2017 after leading India to multiple international titles.
While the government has not yet commented on a possible DSP posting for Renuka, sources said the proposal is likely to be discussed once the team returns from Mumbai.
For now, Renuka Singh Thakur’s success has united Himachal in celebration. As the Chief Minister’s congratulatory message echoed across social media and local communities, banners and posters honouring “India’s World Cup Hero from Rohru” appeared in towns and villages across the state.
