Empower girls in rural India to be Champions

Story of courage and hard work

Kajal is in 12^th standard. She has always been amongst the brightest students in the class. She has always dreamed of becoming a wrestler just like her father. However; when Kajal was a child, her father was not happy, since he wanted to have son. She barely had any guidance from her friends and family to pursue her dreams.

Her father is a farmer. Her village receives no to very less rainfall every year and suffers from draught. So, the marginal farmers’ suffer the most from the recurring draughts. They tend to be caught up in trap of indebtedness every year. With a poor economic background of her family, Kajal was unable to convince her father to admit her in the wrestling academy of Mann Deshi Champions.

On the occasion of a village fair, kajal entered in a wrestling bout against a boy, her father had no idea, This was Kajal’s only opportunity to show her father she is no less than a boy. With lot of courage, and strong mind, Kajal won the bout. In the village everyone was talking about her victory and the move she played. Kajal’s father had to notice her achievement. Finally Kajal joined Mann Deshi Champions program. She felt as if the new doors of opportunities have opened for her. In the beginning she struggled to speak out in front if others, whereas; her hard work and the continual opportunities to take part in the wrestling bouts at the center every week helped Kajal to grow her confidence. Kajal started to work hard on specific moves. She was excelling day by day.

Kajal also participated in the workshops on gender at the Mann Deshi Champions program. There she told her story of how it was challenging for her while growing uo , since her father wanted a son. She smiled and said now wrestling makes me happy and has given me confidence and courage.

Kajal’s handwork took her till the national level. Kajal has participated nine times in the nationals has won twice gold, once silver and twice bronze medal. In the year 2020 Kajal is aiming to represent India in the Asian games. She speaks with all the courage now and shares her story with other members of the center. She actively participates in the workshops competitions, chooses different topics, prepares to her best and delivers the speech. We remember the Kajal who used to hide behind and used to hesitate to speak is now fearless speaker. We are proud to see the transformation in Kajal.