Sometimes, silence speaks the loudest. When India’s World Cup–winning women’s cricket team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, a small but powerful gesture from the PM went viral: he didn’t touch the trophy.
The World Cup trophy was right in front of him, but it stayed exactly where it belonged, in the hands of the players.
The Unspoken Rule of Sporting Respect
In the world of sports, trophies are sacred symbols of achievement. Across disciplines, there’s an unwritten rule: only the winners are allowed to touch them. Even heads of state, celebrities, and dignitaries usually refrain from doing so, out of respect for the players who earned them.
In football, this has been enforced for decades. FIFA’s rules state that only winners and heads of state may touch the World Cup trophy. Yet, when Rihanna briefly held the trophy after Germany’s win in 2014, social media erupted. Many felt it disrespected the sanctity of the moment meant for the champions.
Then in 2022, during Argentina’s World Cup celebrations, celebrity chef Salt Bae broke through security, grabbed the trophy, and took photos with Lionel Messi and others, prompting global backlash. FIFA was even forced to issue a statement condemning the act and reviewing access protocols.
PM Modi’s Gesture Wins Praise
That’s why Prime Minister Modi’s restraint stood out. Technically, as India’s head of government, he could have held the trophy but he chose not to. Instead, he let the players be the centre of attention, offering applause, handshakes, and words of encouragement.
Fans online quickly noticed. “That’s class,” one user posted, while others praised it as a “masterstroke in humility and respect.” This wasn’t just about protocol; it was about understanding what that silverware represents.
Also Watch: When destiny called, she roared - The Shafali Verma story
