(Special Interview on International Women’s Day)
Sunil Dubey / Akash Rai
New Delhi, 08 March (H.S.): Shashikala Maurya, a karate athlete from Dinapur village in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has risen to prominence on national and international stages, serving as an exemplar for aspiring youth. Overcoming resource constraints, financial adversity, and societal impediments through the unwavering support of her father, Omprakash Maurya, and coach Arvind Maurya, she has secured numerous accolades. Presented below are salient excerpts from her exclusive interview with Hindusthan Samachar on International Women’s Day.
Q: How did your interest in sports originate, and what challenges characterized your family circumstances?
A: As a typical girl from Dinapur, Varanasi, I am dedicated to upholding the name given by my parents. My father sustains our household through garland sales, allocating portions of his earnings to support my training in karate—encompassing kata and kumite—as well as kickboxing.
Shashikala described her modest inception: During my time at the composite school, a teacher provided karate instruction. Observing a peer’s participation, I accompanied her and encountered coach Arvind Maurya. He commenced my training and progressively entered me in competitions. The discipline resonated deeply, evolving into my paramount objective.
Q: How has your family’s economic condition impacted your athletic pursuits?
A: Economic challenges have persistently defined our household; my father’s garland trade sustains us. Securing funds for tournament entry fees, equipment, and travel has often proven arduous. My regimen remains demanding: mornings involve flower harvesting and garland assembly, followed by a 20- to 30-kilometer commute to the academy. Focus on objectives sustains me through these rigors.
Q: To what extent have your father and coach contributed to your achievements?
A: Omprakash Maurya, my father, stands as my principal source of inspiration. Amid societal reservations regarding female involvement in martial arts, he remained steadfast—his conviction constituting my foremost asset. Coach Arvind Maurya’s role proves indispensable; extending beyond technical instruction to financial assistance for fees and necessities. Absent his mentorship, such progress would elude me.
Q: What constitute your principal national accomplishments?
A: National medal acquisition commenced in 2018, yielding over ten distinctions, with further successes anticipated.
Key achievements:
2018: Sub-Junior National Karate Championship, New Delhi – Silver (Kumite)
2019: Sub-Junior National Karate Championship, New Delhi – Bronze (Kumite)
2019: North India Zonal Karate Championship, Dehradun – Silver (Kumite), Bronze (Kata)
2023: Cadet & Junior National Karate Championship, Dehradun – Gold (Kumite & Kata)
2023-24: 67th National School Games, Ludhiana – Gold (Kumite)
2024: National Karate Championship, Dehradun – Silver (Junior Kata)
2025: All India University Kickboxing Championship, Meerut – Silver
2026: National Karate Championship, New Delhi – Silver (Kata)
Q: How would you characterize your international exposure?
A: Representing India internationally evokes profound pride, notwithstanding limited opportunities; excellence remains the constant pursuit. Notable engagements: 2023 – 21st Asian Cadet, Junior & U-21 Karate Championship, Almaty, Kazakhstan (India representation, Junior Kata); 7th South Asian Karate Championship, Kathmandu, Nepal – Silver (Kumite). This milestone, forged through perseverance, actualizes long-held aspirations on the global platform.
Q: Who serves as your role model?
A: Sandra Sanchez, the Spanish karate luminary, profoundly influences me. Her gold medal in women’s kata at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, attained at age 39, exemplifies enduring excellence. Her example propels my continual refinement.
Q: What are your prospective objectives?
A: Securing additional international medals for India, culminating in triumphs at World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Games, and Olympics.Shashikala Maurya’s trajectory exemplifies not merely athletic prowess but resolute determination amid constraints, galvanizing myriad young women resolved to forge global legacies.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
