Tag Archives: Female Athletes of India

Nasreen Shaikh: The Rise Of A New Star

Araria, BIHAR / Shakarpur, NEW DELHI:

By winning the prestigious Arjuna Award, the 25-year-old India women’s kho kho team captain has brought joy to her struggling father, who dedicated himself body and soul to fuel her passion.

Nasreen Shaikh, a 25-year-old from Shakurpur, will walk down the iconic Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, to collect the Arjuna Award in Kho Kho, a sport that is not considered mainstream since it isn’t part of Commonwealth, Asian or Olympic Games.

She will become only the second kho kho player to win the National Sports Award in the last 25 years – the other being Sarika Kale Sudhakar in 2020 – after the indigenous sport became irrelevant at the turn of the century and struggled for recognition with the Union sports ministry backing Olympic sports heavily to eye medals in the quadrennial international multi-sports events.

“Kho Kho has changed my life. I have been able to support my struggling father,” said Nasreen as she flipped through a file looking for documents for police verification required to be sent to authorities ahead of the Arjuna Awards ceremony.

Nasreen’s father, Mohammed Ghafoor, came to Delhi in 1980 from Araria in Bihar, polished utensils for a living, worked as thekedaar (contractor) before losses forced him to try his luck at weekly markets. The father of 11 doesn’t rest even a single day and sets up shop in morning and evening all seven days of the week. He sells his wares – mostly utensils — in patri bazaar (roadside weekly markets) in Inderlok, Inderpuri, Minto Road, Patel Nagar, Ranjit Nagar, Karampura, Nangloi, Tri Nagar, Kishan Ganj, Shastri Nagar among other places.

“Generally, people focus on one market a day but I have been taking my wares to two bazaars every day for the last many years since household expenses are huge. I had to bring up kids (seven daughters and four sons) and also fuel Nasreen’s passion,” says Ghafoor.

“I worked a lot for her. It was my responsibility to provide her with the diet. She requires [protein] powders, chana, peanuts, nuts and almonds. I’d go to Lahori Gate to fetch all this and it would cost 5,000-6,000 rupees every time,” explains Ghafoor.

Nasreen is extremely grateful to her father, who is chuffed to see her daughter win the Arjuna Award. 

“He even stopped visiting his hometown as it would set him back by a good amount. He made many sacrifices.”

There was also some resistance to her taking up the sport, especially kho kho, but when Nasreen began earning accolades and people around her saw prospects, all of that subsided and she started getting acknowledged in the family and among relatives.

(R to L) Mohammed Gafoor, Nasreen Shaikh and her mother

Hard Worker : 

Nasreen’s father Mohammed Ghafoor) sets up shop all seven days of the week in patri bazaars to help fund her daughter’s training. To Nasreen’s right is her mother

“She was committed right from the start and I thought she should be given a chance,”adds Ghafoor. 

Nasreen started playing kho-kho when she was in third standard at the Government Senior Secondary School in Kohat Enclave. She was also a very good athlete, winning gold medals in 100m and 200m sprints at school level. By the sixth standard, she was participating in the school nationals as well as the nationals in kho kho. 

“Since we were financially vulnerable, I couldn’t play any sport that involved equipment. So, I had to pick kho kho and athletics,” says Nasreen, who graduated from Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College with BA (Pass) degree and is now doing M.P.Ed. (Masters in Physical Education) from Lovely Professional University in Punjab. She also completed B.P.Ed. (Bachelors in Physical Education) from the same university before this.

The big moment for Nasreen came in 2019 when she became captain of the Indian kho kho team for the South Asian Games. India won gold under her captaincy. She has so far competed in 50 national events and six international events. Even though the sport isn’t popular, still it is played in 38 countries.

While KKFI has started Ultimate Kho Kho, a franchise-based tournament that provides a platform for youngsters to earn and play, it is restricted only to male players. There are talks of having a women’s league on similar lines too but getting sponsors remains a struggle.

A few months after the high of becoming the national captain, her family struggled through Covid as her father had to sit at home without work. Kho Kho Federation of India, the governing body of the sport, chipped in with Rs 1 lakh and DYWA, an organisation based out of Delhi-6 also gave her Rs 50,000, to help her wade through the difficult time.

She worked on a stipend with Airports Authority of India (AAI).

“The stipend helped my family. But it had to end last year since the support is for only junior players,” says Nasreen, who is currently looking for a job and is hopeful that the Arjuna Award will help her land one.

“The sport has grown. It used to be considered a gali-kucha game. Earlier, we used to put money from our pocket for even travelling but now we are getting something back. Mittal sir (Sudhanshu Mittal, the president of the federation), announces cash prizes after tournaments and that helps. Prime Minister Narendra Modi backed the sport too in one of his speeches and it has boosted our confidence, given us recognition,” she adds.  

Nasreen’s success has already inspired her two younger sisters to take up the sport. The four older ones are married and settled as home-makers.

The 18-year-old sister is studying at LPU in Punjab while the youngest, who is 14 years old, is studying in a school in Delhi.

“They both want to play kho kho.”

Her younger brother even gave up studies to cut down on their household expenses and ensure that Nasreen is left with as much money as possible for her training. 

When at home, Nasreen leaves her home in hijab every morning on a scooty that she purchased recently and goes to a park in a different neighbourhood to work on her fitness.

“It (Hijab) is a norm here in our locality. But I take it off at the park during workout,” she adds.

The morning session is dedicated to endurance and fitness. She works out between 5 am and 8 am in the park before returning home. 

“You need athleticism, endurance, stamina, and flexibility in this game. Everything. That is also a reason why I got hooked to it. If we play this game and become good players, we can participate in other games too like I participated in athletics.”

She works on kho kho skills in the evening session from 4 pm to 8 pm. 

The set-up at LPU, she says, has helped her in training immensely.

While the Arjuna Award will be a feather in her cap and give her recognition, there is every likelihood that she will be celebrated as a star athlete in years to come. For the KKFI is planning biopic on her on the lines of those made on MS Dhoni and MC Mary Kom. 

Special Player : 

Nasreen Shaikh is the second kho kho player to win Arjuna Award in the last 25 years

“We are making a biopic on her. The plan is still in a nascent stage and we are working out the details like who will write the script, and who will direct the film among other things. She could play the protagonist herself or we could hire another actor to play her,” said Mittal, the KKFI President to Patriot.

source: http://www.thepatriot.in / The Patriot / Home> Delhi NCR / by Khurram Habib / January 09th, 2024

Powerlifting champion Sadiya Almas felicitated

Mangalgiri (Guntur District), ANDHRA PRADESH:

Sadiya Almas was awarded the title of the strong girl of India in National powerlifting championship 2020 held in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

Sheikh Sadiya Almas felicitated in Vijayawada on Sunday (Photo | P Ravindra Babu, EPS)

Vijayawada : 

Shaik Sadiya Almas, who secured a gold medal in powerlifting during the Asian Powerlifting Championship held in Turkey, recently, was felicitated by the Muslim Development Society at a programme here on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Sadiya Almas credited her parents for winning the medals at the championship.
“So far, I have achieved only a little in my career and I am working hard to achieve a lot with the support of my family and coach. I will bring more laurels to the country and inspire youngsters,” Sadiya said. She also appealed to the government to provide necessary funds for upgrading the gym at Mangalagiri and make it accessible for more youngsters.

The powerlifter secured the first place in Asian Powerlifting Championship held in Rajasthan in 2018. She also secured the first place in Junior State Championship held in Anakapalle in 2018. She secured ninth place in the Senior national Powerlifting Championship held at Sattenapalli in 2018. She was awarded the title of ‘Strong Girl of Andhra Pradesh’ in 64 SGF State Championship held in Nandigama in 2018.

Sadiya Almas won fifth place in Junior National Championship in Kerala in 2019 and got third place in Federation Cup Championship held in Indore, MP in 2019. Sadiya was awarded the title of ‘Strong girl of South India’ in the South India Powerlifting Championship held in 2019-20 in Hyderabad. She was awarded the title of the strong girl of India in the National powerlifting championship 2020 held in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Vijayawada / by Express News Service / January 25th, 2022

Ayeera Chisti becomes the First Kashmiri Girl to Win Medal at the ‘8th World Junior Wushu Championship 2022’, Banten, Indonesia

Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Ayeera Chisti, the first Kashmiri girl to win a medal at the World Wushu Championship

Ayeera Chisti, the Wushu wonderkid from the Kashmir valley added another feather in her rising career by winning a bronze medal at the World junior Wushu championship this weekend.

With this achievement she has become the first girl from Jammu and Kashmir to win a medal at this prestigious championship.

Among the first to congratulate her was JK Sports Council.

The 8th world junior Wushu championship was held in Banten, Indonesia from December 2 to 11.

Speaking to Awazthevoice.in, Ayeera’s coach, Asif said, “This is just the beginning. This is the result of years of hardwork, dedication, patience and discipline. There are many targets we have to achieve”.

Before departing for the championship, Ayeera had exuded confidence of doing well at the event. “I will come back with a medal”, she had told Awazthevloice.in.

The 11th class student of Amira Kadal Higher Secondary School, Srinagar had already etched her name in history books by becoming the first girl from Srinagar to represent the country in the world championships.

Khelo India congratulated Ayeera on becoming the first girl from JK to win a medal at this level.

Image

Ayeera had lost to Malak Ossama of Egypt in the semifinal.

She had earlier defeated her rival from Macau in the last-eight stage.

The Indian contingent finished with a record eight medals, including three golds in the championship. Apart from the yellow metal, India also won three silvers and two bronze medals.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Sports / by Nakul Shivani, New Delhi (headline edited) / December 12th, 2022

MP’s ‘Dangal Girl’, 18-year old Muskaan Khan Wins 4 Gold Medals in ‘Open Federation Commonwealth Power Lifting Championship 2022’, New Zealand

Mazhaira Village (Shivpuri ), MADHYA PRADESH:

You must have seen the film Dangal starring Aamir Khan, but today we are going to introduce you to the Dangal family of Shivpuri.

The story of this family is no less than the story of the film Dangal. Shivpuri’s daughter Muskaan Khan has brought laurels to the country, state and city.

Muskaan has achieved a new milestone by winning 4 Gold in Open Federation Commonwealth Power Lifting Championship 2022 held in Auckland, New Zealand.

Read the story of a father who fulfilled his dream through his daughter

Father Mohammad Dara Khan told- I had a dream since childhood to bring gold medal for the country. For this, I was interested in sports from the beginning. My game was handball. Played at the state level 3 times in this. Also played national in basketball. In the year 1997, at the age of 20, I got selected as SI in ITBP from sports quota.

2-4 days before the selection, my fingers got cut in an accident. My dream of winning gold remained unfulfilled due to a broken hand. Days started passing. Leaving the dream behind, I got busy in the poultry farm business.

Sports man father was selected as SI in ITBP at the age of 20 from sports quota but due to accident he could not join duty.

Sports man father was selected as SI in ITBP at the age of 20 from sports quota but due to accident he could not join duty.

I have 5 children. Has 3 daughters and 2 sons. The business was growing for the upkeep of the family, but the heart used to beat only to bring gold medal for the country. Was constrained but kept looking for opportunities. I started playing a special role in organizing sports competitions in the village.

Meanwhile, the middle daughter Muskaan came as a ray of hope. Her inclination towards sports started encouraging me. I thought that only my daughter would fulfill my dreams. Along with school studies, she started working hard towards sports as well. I also joined her.

Muskaan won gold in squat lifting, bench press, dead lifting and total weight count.

Muskaan won gold in squat lifting, bench press, dead lifting and total weight count.

Muskan was enrolled in a private school in Shivpuri, 20 km away from the village. I started taking my daughter to school 40 kilometers away every day. Muskaan’s hard work paid off. She started topping the sports competition.

I stood by him every step of the way. Kept supporting him equally. Wherever I felt that there was a possibility to move forward in it, I would try to take it forward in that field. First she started with handball. Muskaan played national 3 times in mini handball. My daughter alone scored 9 out of 10 goals in the match.

Then I felt that she should be brought into the individual game. Muskaan prepared for weight lifting after a lot of thought. As soon as weight lifting started, Muskan reached to play the state. Meanwhile, Corona stopped the speed of the daughter. Seeing this, I decided to make arrangements for her at home. I slowly got the gym ready at home. Muskaan worked hard for 2 years.

Muskaan with her team at the airport to participate in the power lifting championship in New Zealand.
Muskaan with her team at the airport to participate in the power lifting championship in New Zealand.

Results in one year
The father told that his daughter Muskaan took part in the power weight lifting competition as soon as the corona was over and on seeing it, she won her glory from district level to divisional level and then state level competitions.

After this Muskaan was selected in the Commonwealth Power Lifting 2022 to be held in New Zealand. Muskaan was flown to New Zealand on 25 November. Where Muskaan brought laurels to the country including her city by winning 4 gold in the power weight lifting competition. It is a matter of pride for me that my daughter has fulfilled my dream.

Muskaan left for New Zealand on 25 November.  There he brought laurels to the country by winning 4 gold in the power weight lifting competition.
Muskaan left for New Zealand on 25 November. There he brought laurels to the country by winning 4 gold in the power weight lifting competition.

Muskaan left for New Zealand on 25 November. There she brought laurels to the country by winning 4 gold medals three in squat lifting, bench press, dead lifting and one in total weight count in the power weight lifting competition.

Played Mini Handball for the State
Mohammad Dara said that daughter Muskaan had participated in the State Handball Competition for the first time in the year 2016.

After this she played National in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Javelin to Shot Put
Khan told that his daughter had already tried her luck in handball before power lifting. She also threw javelin and shot put in individual games. After facing a problem in the preparations in the village, he got inclined towards weight lifting.

Participants from other countries with a smile.  Muskaan also made new friends during the Power Lifting Championship in New Zealand.
Participants from other countries with a smile. Muskaan also made new friends during the Power Lifting Championship in New Zealand.

Used to fight with brother over eating spicy
Muskaan’s brother Honey Khan told that there is a fight with the younger sister Muskaan over food and drink. She used to like spicy food, but I don’t let her eat it. She used to complain about this to her father. Papa and I tell her to pay attention to the diet. I am happy now that she has reached this point because of this fight. Today the whole family is celebrating with the success of Muskaan.

Muskan hoisted the flag in competitions from district level to divisional level and then state level.

Muskaan had earlier won 2 gold medals and one silver in the ‘All India Power Lifting Competition in Kasargod, Kerala in August 2022.

Muskan hoisted the flag in competitions from district level to divisional level and then state level.

source: http://www.divya-bharat.com / Divya Bharat , New India / Home> Sports News / by Kapil Mishra (edited) / November 29th, 2022