In a rural Indian village, a Kabaddi club іs not only teaching girls a sport but also helping them break free from traditional societal expectations. For 14-year-old Meena and many others, іt provides an escape from the confines оf household chores and early marriages, offering a pathway tо empowerment and a brighter future.
The Struggle for Acceptance
When the Kabaddi club was first established, it faced significant resistance. The idea of girls participating in a physically demanding sport like Kabaddi was met with reluctance, as it clashed with traditional gender roles in the village. Families believed that playing a sport would interfere with girls’ duties at home and could negatively affect their marriage prospects. Even the girls’ families were unsupportive, with Meena recalling how she had to leave home in the dark to attend training sessions, often without any support from her relatives.
From Fear to Determination
Despite the challenges, Meena persevered. The Kabaddi club started with just two girls, and in the face of opposition, the teachers who ran the club took it upon themselves to reassure the parents. They went door tо door, assuring them that the girls would be safe and that the coaching would be conducted responsibly. Over time, the club grew tо 30 girls, with many оf them training early іn the morning before school and after classes іn the evening. Meena expressed how, for her, playing Kabaddi was a moment оf freedom, where she could escape the pressures оf domestic life and feel stronger than other girls who didn’t have such opportunities.
Success Stories: Inspiring Change Through Kabaddi
The club’s impact has been significant, with former players now leading inspiring lives. Siddhi and Samreen, two of the club’s early members, trained at the club for about eight years. Now in their 20s, they are professional Kabaddi players who are financially independent and have found success in their careers. They both acknowledge that without Kabaddi, they would likely have been married off and stuck with household responsibilities, as is the norm in their community. Instead, they travel around India competing, winning medals, and gaining respect. Samreen even states, “No one in my family earns as much as I do,” highlighting the financial and personal independence they have gained through Kabaddi.
Empowerment Beyond Sports
The Kabaddi club’s influence extends far beyond sports. It has provided many girls, including Meena, with the confidence to pursue education and delay marriage. In a society where girls are often seen as secondary citizens, the club has played a key role in changing attitudes. Vilas Bendre, a coach at the club, notes that through sports, the girls’ lives have transformed—they talk differently, carry themselves with more confidence, and aspire to live independently. Many girls who haven’t gone professional still benefit from the club’s teachings, as it empowers them to continue their education and pursue their dreams. Even the community has become more accepting of girls playing sports, with less judgment from people when they see girls exercising.
The club has also provided financial support through prize money from competitions and occasional donations, allowing girls from poor families to participate without paying fees. They even organize residential sports camps, provide food, and take care of players’ injuries. For Meena and many others, Kabaddi is not just a sport; it is a transformative experience that opens doors to a life they never thought possible.