Podium Moment: Nandini Sharma Describes Pride as National Anthem Played

When the Indian flag rose to the top of the podium and the national anthem resonated through the stadium, bowler Nandini Sharma felt a surge of emotion unlike any other. The 2026 Asian Games gold medal ceremony became a defining memory for the cricketer, who said the experience was "absolutely different" and "truly spectacular."

Sharma reflected on her journey from receiving a Best Fielding medal in the Asia Cup final to leading the bowling attack in the Asian Games final. Her three-wicket haul against Bangladesh proved pivotal, and she credited the support of senior teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana for shaping her career.

The bowler's remarks underscored the significance of national representation in sport, emphasizing that the pride of hearing the anthem and seeing the tricolor fluttered above the podium is a reward for years of dedication and hard work.