Harmanpreet Kaur's mother reveals the reason behind her jersey number

Jersey numbers in sports have a special value and there’s a story behind it very often. India’s latest sensation and newest source of inspiration Harmanpreet Kaur, who took the world by storm after her performance in the recently concluded 2017 Women’s World Cup, wears no. 84 on her back and it has a special meaning to it.

Harmanpreet became a well-known name in the cricket world after her 171-run unbeaten knock against Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-final, with the innings being branded as one of the greatest ODI knocks in Women’s cricket. Though India failed to win the tournament suffering a narrow 9-run defeat to hosts England in the final, Harmanpreet has set an example for all aspiring cricketers irrespective of their gender.

The story

Before the tournament had started, her mother revealed the reason behind having the no. 84 on the back of Harmanpreet’s jersey and it has a story to it that extends way beyond cricket. It is a tribute to the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

“When she picked up her jersey, she chose the jersey number 84. For Punjabis, 84 brings back the memories of the 1984 riots. But she took it positively and now we also see it as a good sign for her. She dedicates all her victories to the victims of the riots,” her mother said.

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— Harmanpreet Kaur (@ImHarmanpreet) March 18, 2016

Destined for cricket

Harmanpreet’s father Harmandar Bhullar also opened up on how his daughter was destined to become a cricketer.

“When she was born, we had brought a suit with cricket words on it. Some years later, she started playing the game with boy trainees at the college ground. Initially, it was tough for us as the bats were costly and we could not afford them. But later, she would play for Punjab at a young age and also made her debut for the India while in high school,” Harmandar had told The Indian Express.

Just recently, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh announced Rs. 5 Lakh cash reward for Harmanpreet and also offered her a DSP role in the Punjab Police, in recognition of her performance at the World Cup.