In Kudoshi, a remote village in India, the journey of empowerment for girls through the sport of kabaddi is unfolding as a group of dedicated teachers establishes a groundbreaking all-girls kabaddi club. This initiative, originally driven by the need for female representation in sports, attracts local girls like 14-year-old Meena, who sees the game as an escape from her restrained rural life. Kabaddi’s rules involve two teams competing to tag opponents while minding their own territory, but for these girls, it's so much more.
Empowering Girls Through Kabaddi: A Club's Transformative Journey
Empowering Girls Through Kabaddi: A Club's Transformative Journey
A kabaddi club in rural India is reshaping the lives of young girls, offering them opportunities beyond traditional roles.
Fifteen years ago, Daji Rajguru, a school teacher with a vision for girl's empowerment, founded the club. Rajguru’s wish to give his daughter and others like her a platform reveals the urgent need for such opportunities in regions where girls are often relegated to household responsibilities. Despite initial resistance from families fearing for their daughters' safety and future marriageability, persistent engagement ensured growth. The club, starting with just two members, now boasts approximately 30 active participants, having inspired hundreds since its inception.
Meena, who trains rigorously each day, faced familial skepticism regarding her passion for kabaddi. Many girls prior to her, however, have paved the way as role models, including Samreen Burandkar and Siddhi Chalke, who now compete professionally and enjoy financial independence. These athletes embody the shift in perception as they inspire younger players to pursue sports and their personal ambitions amid traditional societal norms.
As kabaddi athletes, the girls not only gain physical prowess but also carve out avenues of respect, identity, and possibly, careers within the public sector, where sports offers job entries. The local community has transformed, allowing girls to step onto the playing field with confidence and aspiration, paving the way for self-advocacy.
Funding for the club comes from diverse sources, including competition prizes, donations, and the coaches themselves, who shoulder the responsibility of nurturing not just athletic skills but also personal growth. With reduced financial barriers and managed summer sports camps, advisors guide the girls, teaching them to juggle sports ambitions and education while delaying early marriages.
Despite occasional skepticism regarding the club's focus on girls, Rajguru emphasizes the vital need for such initiatives. For young athletes like Meena, the horizon now looks bright as they dream of success, taking a step toward achieving their goals and inspiring future generations of girls.
The BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) Award returns to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women athletes in India, showcasing the evolution of gender roles in Indian sports culture.
Meena, who trains rigorously each day, faced familial skepticism regarding her passion for kabaddi. Many girls prior to her, however, have paved the way as role models, including Samreen Burandkar and Siddhi Chalke, who now compete professionally and enjoy financial independence. These athletes embody the shift in perception as they inspire younger players to pursue sports and their personal ambitions amid traditional societal norms.
As kabaddi athletes, the girls not only gain physical prowess but also carve out avenues of respect, identity, and possibly, careers within the public sector, where sports offers job entries. The local community has transformed, allowing girls to step onto the playing field with confidence and aspiration, paving the way for self-advocacy.
Funding for the club comes from diverse sources, including competition prizes, donations, and the coaches themselves, who shoulder the responsibility of nurturing not just athletic skills but also personal growth. With reduced financial barriers and managed summer sports camps, advisors guide the girls, teaching them to juggle sports ambitions and education while delaying early marriages.
Despite occasional skepticism regarding the club's focus on girls, Rajguru emphasizes the vital need for such initiatives. For young athletes like Meena, the horizon now looks bright as they dream of success, taking a step toward achieving their goals and inspiring future generations of girls.
The BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year (ISWOTY) Award returns to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women athletes in India, showcasing the evolution of gender roles in Indian sports culture.
