Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma Meets World Cup–Winning Indian Women’s Cricket Team Physiotherapist Akanksha Satyavanshi, Extends Congratulations

“The invaluable contribution of Kawardha’s daughter to the world-champion Indian team is a matter of pride for all of us”—Deputy CM Vijay Sharma

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma presented Akanksha Satyavanshi with a mace (gada) as a symbol of valour, saying that Lord Hanuman’s blessings have always been with us.

Akanksha Satyavanshi narrates the Indian women’s cricket team’s World Cup journey—starting from a Facebook post

Raipur, Nov 2025 : Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vijay Sharma today met Mrs. Akanksha Satyavanshi—physiotherapist of the World Cup–winning Indian women’s cricket team—along with her family at his official residence. He warmly congratulated her and extended best wishes. He also presented her with a mace as a symbol of courage. Akanksha joyfully shared an anecdote from the World Cup final involving the mace. She said she is a devotee of Lord Hanuman, and during the final match, players Radha Yadav and Kranti Gaur recited the Hanuman Chalisa throughout. When her turn came to assist the players on the field, they placed a small mace in her hand and asked her to hold it until the end of the match—and, she said, by Lord Hanuman’s grace, the team became world champions.

Left a job opportunity at AIIMS Raipur to become the team physio

During the meeting, she shared her journey of entering the cricket world. She narrated how she left a secure job opportunity at AIIMS Raipur to join cricket as a physiotherapist. After completing her initial schooling, she earned a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from Raipur Medical College and a master’s degree from Cuttack. She then worked with several neurosurgeons. During that period, she posted a bucket-list travel wishlist on Facebook, inspired by her love for travelling.

She said she never imagined that a Facebook post would change her life. Seeing her interest in travelling, her senior offered her an opportunity to join the Chhattisgarh cricket team. At the same time, she was also selected for AIIMS Raipur. Her family encouraged her to take the government job, but her parents and brother supported her dream—and she chose cricket. She then served all three divisions of the Chhattisgarh women’s cricket team. Her excellent work brought her to the attention of the BCCI, and she was selected to work with the senior Indian women’s team during a workshop. From there, her journey never looked back.

“Earlier it was difficult for women to travel, now the world has changed”

Akanksha said that she has always loved travelling, but earlier it was difficult for women to travel freely. Now, with family support, everything has changed. Deputy CM Sharma added that women are progressing in every field—whether in sports or flying fighter planes. He also noted that 33 percent reservation is being given to women in governance to further strengthen their participation.

Deputy CM invites Akanksha to participate in the Bastar Olympics

Congratulating her on the World Cup victory, Deputy CM Sharma said her success is an inspiration for all women in Chhattisgarh. He said the invaluable contribution of Kawardha’s daughter to the world-champion team is a moment of pride for everyone. Her role in the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic victory will motivate young girls in the state to pursue sports. On this occasion, he honoured her with a medal and a memento, and also shared refreshments with her family.

Akanksha expressed her joy over the team’s victory and said she was proud to represent her state and contribute to this achievement. She acknowledged her husband as her greatest supporter. The Deputy CM also invited her to attend the Bastar Olympics to encourage the participating athletes.

“Bastar’s youth will win Olympic medals”

Deputy CM Sharma said the state government is continuously expanding opportunities in sports, education, and skill development. The aim is to provide a platform to every talented individual in the state. He said the Bastar Olympics are helping bring forward exceptional talent from across the region. Young people from Bastar are naturally suited for sports and athletics. He added that the goal is to select promising athletes from the Bastar Olympics, train them for the next Olympics, and help them win medals for India.

Akanksha gives diet tips to the Deputy CM—“Eat Chhattisgarhi greens”

During the conversation, the Deputy CM mentioned that he loves eating rice and leafy greens. Akanksha responded by saying that the variety of greens and vegetables is a hallmark of Chhattisgarhi cuisine. She advised him to include Chhattisgarhi greens in his daily meals as part of a healthy diet.