India’s Women’s World Cup Winners Get Officer Roles in Indian Railways

Indian Railways has granted out-of-turn promotions to India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup champions Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, and Renuka Singh Thakur, elevating them to the prestigious post of Officer on Special Duty (Sports) in Group ‘B’ (Gazetted).The Ministry of Railways announced that the promotions have been approved under the special scheme meant to reward exceptional sporting achievements. All three cricketers were part of India’s victorious squad at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, and their elevation recognises their contributions to the historic title win.

According to the Railway Board order, the promoted players will now serve in Level-8 of the 7th CPC pay matrix, receiving enhanced pay, status, and responsibilities within the Railway Sports framework. Pratika Rawal, formerly a Senior Clerk; Sneh Rana, earlier a Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk; and Renuka Singh Thakur, previously a Junior Clerk, will now take up their new roles as OSD (Sports) in their respective zones.

The promotions were accompanied by a felicitation ceremony at Rail Bhawan, where Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the players for bringing glory to the nation and to Indian Railways. The move highlights the Railways’ continued commitment to supporting women athletes, offering them long-term career security and recognition for excellence on the international stage.

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