The establishment of a kabaddi club in India is providing young girls with opportunities to break free from societal expectations. With coaches' support and the girls' determination, they are not only excelling in sports but also gaining financial independence and increased self-esteem, reshaping their futures.
Empowering Futures: How a Kabaddi Club in India is Transforming Girls' Lives
Empowering Futures: How a Kabaddi Club in India is Transforming Girls' Lives
A dedicated kabaddi club in rural India is breaking traditional gender roles, enabling girls to pursue sporting careers and gain independence.
Meena's eyes dart back and forth, eagerly awaiting the moment she can make her move in a game of Kabaddi, an Indian contact sport now embraced globally. This 14-year-old sees Kabaddi as more than a game; for her, it represents a chance to escape the constraints of her rural upbringing, laden with responsibilities and societal pressures. “In that moment, I am just Meena, not bound to household chores,” she confesses.
Meena resides in Kudoshi, a small tribal village located 230km from Mumbai. Traditionally, girls in such communities are expected to focus on domestic duties, marriage, and motherhood. However, a decade and a half ago, visionary teachers led by Daji Rajguru established an all-girls kabaddi club, aiming to provide girls with opportunities previously unavailable to them.
Faced with initial resistance from parents worried about the implications of their daughters participating in sports, Rajguru and his colleagues tirelessly reassured families about the safety of the club, going door-to-door to earn the community's trust. The club began with only a couple of girls, but interest grew; today, 30 girls are actively involved, with over 300 having participated since the club’s inception.
The daily training regimen is rigorous, with girls practicing for four hours after and before school, often traveling in the dark. While Meena initially struggled with familial support, she remained inspired by older club members who achieved success in the sport. Female athletes Siddhi Chalke and Samreen Burandkar, who trained at the club for years, are now successful professional players, challenging traditional family expectations. Samreen proudly states, “I earn more than anyone in my family. I’m here because of Kabaddi.”
Through their participation in the sport, many girls have gained not only confidence but also an avenue towards financial independence and respect in their communities. This transformation is articulated by coach Vilas Bendre, who observes that once marginalized girls are now developing significant life skills through their involvement in sports.
Winning prizes in Kabaddi tournaments helps sustain the club financially, allowing for the organization of additional training camps and providing support for players' health needs. Over time, societal perceptions have shifted, and community acceptance of girls participating in sports has improved significantly.
Despite facing skepticism about their female-focused initiatives, Rajguru emphasizes the need to fill the gap that exists for girls in sports. Their work transcends conventional coaching; they also serve as mentors and guardians. As Meena expresses her aspirations to captivate the Kabaddi arena as a leader, the impact of the club is clear: it's not just about sports, but about redefining the girl’s role in her community.
The recent resurgence of the BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year Award underlines the importance of highlighting and celebrating the achievements of female athletes in India. Through efforts like those of this kabaddi club, a new generation of empowered women is emerging.
