Empowering Girls Through Kabaddi: A Triumph Over Tradition

In the tribal village of Kudoshi, India, a kabaddi club founded by dedicated teachers is empowering young girls by providing them opportunities to pursue sports and step beyond traditional gender roles, leading to increased confidence and independence.

In the tribal village of Kudoshi, India, a kabaddi club founded by proactive teachers fifteen years ago is changing the trajectory of young girls' lives. Meena, a 14-year-old player, expresses how the sport allows her to escape the confines of household duties. "In that moment, I am not the Meena who is bound to housework," she shares, reveling in the autonomy kabaddi provides her.

Historically, girls in this area have faced limitations; however, Daji Rajguru, one of the founders, sought to create a path for them. "Why can't girls play Kabaddi and make a career out of it?" he questioned, challenging the traditional norms prioritizing domestic roles for women. What started as a small initiative, with only two girls in attendance, has blossomed into a club of about thirty, significantly impacting the community's perspective on female empowerment.

Initially, parents were hesitant, worrying about their daughter's safety and future marriage prospects. The founders made door-to-door visits to assure families of their daughters' safety, stressing that participation would be supervised and harmless. The club has since attracted around 300 girls, instilling confidence through rigorous training sessions, often conducted early morning and after school.

Meena's relentless commitment to the club, despite familial disapproval, mirrors the journeys of former players like Siddhi Chalke and Samreen Burandkar, who have transitioned to professional league players. They reflect on the hurdles they faced, which have now evolved into pride for their families. “I could only do that because of Kabaddi. Otherwise, I would have been married and ended up at my husband's place washing the dishes,” Siddhi admits with humor, while heeding to the life-altering implications of the sport.

For many girls in rural India, sports become a step toward financial independence, with opportunities for public sector jobs awarded to high-performing athletes. Coach Vilas Bendre emphasizes that all players experience significant shifts in their confidence and social standing, with many now pursuing higher education and delaying marriage.

Today, community acceptance has increased, and the kabaddi club has transitioned into a supportive ecosystem funded through various means including tournament earnings. While some criticize the exclusion of boys in such initiatives, the focus remains on promoting female empowerment in areas where girls have historically been marginalized.

Ultimately, for Meena and her fellow players, kabaddi is more than just a sport; it represents hope, aspiration, and the chance to redefine their futures. “I want to be the best raider and become the captain of India's Kabaddi team," she declares, dreamily envisioning a life beyond the limiting beliefs that once defined her community.