BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav has assured that Munna Singh Gaud, the father of women’s World Cup–winning cricketer Kranti Gaud, will be reinstated as police constable. Gaud was dismissed in 2012 after an alleged error during election duty.The announcement came during Kranti’s felicitation ceremony in Bhopal, where the CM commended the bowler for bringing glory to the nation and her state. Kranti had told TOI in an interview that her family endured severe hardship after her father was dismissed, and that she now wants to see him don a police uniform again and retire with dignity.

The dismissal had left the family in financial turmoil. “There were days when we could not even afford a single meal,” Kranti said. The family, she added, often depended on neighbours for food.At the ceremony, Yadav said: “Kranti has made the entire country proud. It is only right that her father’s dignity is also restored.” He also announced plans for a world-class stadium in Chhatarpur, Kranti’s hometown, to train and promote local athletes.Sports minister Vishwas Sarang honoured Kranti’s parents and coach for their support in shaping her career. The CM also announced plans to organise a grand public event on Nov 15, Tribal Pride Day, to celebrate her achievements.A four-month-old inspired the teamThe Indian team’s semifinal victory over Australia was fuelled by an unexpected source of inspiration — a four-month-old child.Kranti Gaud shared that before the match, the coaching staff visited a temple where they met a woman who expressed her heartfelt wish: she wanted her infant daughter to grow up to be a cricketer. It struck a deep emotional chord.The team made a solemn vow that they would not allow themselves to lose. “The thought of a mother, so devoted to women’s cricket, dreaming of her baby becoming part of this sport moved us all,” Kranti recalled.