From clearing path for Ambulance to chanting 'Vande Mataram': 5 touching moments from the Champions welcome

Mark your calendars and etch this date into your memory: July 5, 2024 will forever be a milestone in the annals of sports history. It was a day when the heart of Mumbai overflowed with pride and celebration, as the city came alive to honor Team India’s T20 World Cup victory.

Yesterday, Mumbai was awash with thousands of passionate fans braving the rain to welcome our heroes, the Men in Blue, and their coveted trophy home. The grandeur of the welcome was a testament to the deep love and respect Mumbaikars hold for their cricket team. As the city buzzed with excitement, the rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on five touching and unforgettable moments from the celebrations that made July 5, 2024, a day to remember.

Mumbaikars workday didn't affect the Welcome

As Team India returned from Barbados, Mumbai greeted them with open arms, showcasing the overwhelming response of Mumbaikars. Well it would have been a no big deal for Mumbaikars to gather in such huge numbers on a weekend but what was astonishing is on a working weekday, Thursday, citizens still managed to be there in person. The emotions displayed during Thursday's victory parade were just a glimpse of the fervor felt by billions of Indians who couldn't be there in person. The visuals of thousands of fans assembling at Marine Drive despite the monsoon is a love language in itself.

'Vande Mataram' echoes in Wankhede

Among the many highlights of the day was the patriotic fervor at Wankhede Stadium. Virat Kohli and Team India, alongside 40,000 fans, passionately chanted 'Vande Mataram', creating a moment that sent chills down the spine. The Maharashtra Cricket Association's decision to allow free entry ensured the stadium was packed, amplifying the electrifying atmosphere. The chorus of voices unified in patriotism made it a memorable moment, as the echoes of 'Vande Mataram' resonated throughout the venue.

Bhangda Pao (Team India's Joyful Dance)

The celebrations didn’t stop there. After arriving at Wankhede Stadium, Team India showcased their dance moves, adding a festive touch to the victory celebrations. Dancing to the vibrant beats of dhol, the players’ joy was palpable and infectious. The spontaneous dance performances highlighted the players’ happiness and the camaraderie within the team, further endearing them to the fans.

Kohli’s Heartfelt Tribute: Grab your tissues

In an emotionally charged speech, Virat Kohli emphasized the significance of the victory and the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Kohli shared, "Rohit and I, we've been trying this for so long. We always wanted to win a World Cup. Bringing the trophy back to Wankhede is a very special feeling... When I was walking up the stairs, I was crying. Rohit was crying. I will never forget that moment." His words underscored the dedication and perseverance that both players invested in their quest for the World Cup, making the triumph all the more poignant.

The celebrations at Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium were more than just a victory parade; they were a reflection of the nation's love for cricket and the unbreakable bond between the team and its supporters.