‘Had to say sorry’: India's World Cup-winning coach Amol Muzumdar recounts his meeting with King Charles to PM Modi

India women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar recounted a disappointing experience from the Buckingham Palace to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meet and greet in New Delhi on Wednesday. Following their maiden World Cup triumph, PM Modi invited the whole team at his residence to congratulate the contingent. Newly-appointed BCCI president Mithun Manhas was also present in the meet-and-greet.

Every high profile residence comes with a top-level secutiry and tight protocols. Likewise, only 20 people are allowed to meet King Charles at a time as per protocol. As a result, the Indian team management had to leave out their support staff at hotel rooms.

“In June, we were in England, where we met King Charles. But the protocol there allowed only 20 people to go. I told the support staff that I was really sorry they couldn’t join. They smiled and said, ‘Sir, we don’t want that photo. We want a photo with Modi ji on November 4 or 5’ — and today, that wish has come true,” Muzumdar narrated.koushik