I have no words to appreciate or praise your achievements, dear sister, except to label you as the real rockstar! Yes, that’s the only thing that I can try to say to you, for now. To encapsulate your entire journey in just a few words would be a difficult task for me but I would like to try.
The moment you informed me of your selection in the Indian team, all the memories of your struggle and hard work flashed through my mind. You were barely 12 or 13-years-old when you took up Kabaddi and little did anyone know that someday you’ll become an international-level player. And, how can I forget those three haunting years of our life when father was living with that life-threatening disease called ‘cancer’.
I remember that was quite a difficult time for the entire family, both financially and psychologically. Bua (aunt) had to take care of all the needs. Valiant steps were taken by our elder sister, who took up the financial responsibility of the house on her shoulders and lessened the burden. Apparently, that’s when you must have decided to choose the path and help your family by all means. But again, that was only the tip of an iceberg, and your actual struggle started subsequently.
You played at the district-level, state-level, and national-level swiftly sans facing any internal politics. Everyone around you was content with what you did, but somewhere or the other, you had no grounds for complacency and aimed for the biggest challenge, the World Cup. Initially, you did face a lot of problems, like the internal politics being played out in sports, but gradually you learned to tackle them all.
Despite the severe leg injury, after which the doctors asked you to stop playing the sport, you didn’t stop and continued your job. That attitude of yours led you become a part of the Indian Women’s Kabaddi team and promoted you from being a national-level to international-level Kabaddi player. Lastly, I would like to add that you’re no less than an inspiration for all of us!