Int’l cricketer Archana Devi and budding sportsperson Nisha

Verma shared their journey from struggle to success at State Project Office

Lucknow, 20 July (HS): Under the leadership of Chief

Minister Yogi Adityanath, the opportunities being provided to girls by the

Basic Education Department in Uttar Pradesh are changing the direction of their

lives; a living example of this was seen on Monday at the State Project Office,

Lucknow. Two talented cricket players, international cricketer Archana Devi and

emerging player Nisha Verma, who studied at Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls

School, Auras, Unnao, reached the State Project Office with their teacher

Poonam. Both of them met Director General of School Education Monika Rani and

shared their struggles, achievements and future dreams.

UP Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent

Charge), Sandeep Singh, said, The education, safety, and empowerment of

girls is our top priority in the Yogi government. Through Kasturba Gandhi

Residential Girls Schools, we are providing underprivileged girls not only

education but also a platform for sports, skills, and self-confidence.

The stories of Archana Devi and Nisha Verma are proof that

even government schools are producing international talent. Their journey from

a small village in Unnao to winning the World Cup embodies the Yogi

government's vision of providing opportunities to every girl child.

Born in a small village in Unnao, Archana Devi's life was

filled with struggles. Despite her rural background, her father's death in

childhood, financial challenges, and social hardships, Archana never gave up.

Archana, a member of the Indian team that won the ICC Under-19 Women's T20

World Cup in 2023, said she didn't even know what cricket was as a child. It

was only after she gained admission to KGBV Auras that her athletic talent was

recognized, and this is where her career began.

Nisha Verma, a former student of this school, is today a

rising female cricketer in Uttar Pradesh. A middle-order batsman, Nisha has

represented the Uttar Pradesh Under-19 women's cricket team and played for the

state in the BCCI Under-19 women's domestic tournament. She was selected for

the Uttar Pradesh Under-19 team in October 2024. Nisha said that she had to

face a lot of criticism to reach this point, but with a clear goal, every

obstacle can be overcome.

Both players sent a message to children from government

schools across the state that there's no substitute for hard work. The Yogi

government is providing training, resources, and a better platform to nurture

children's athletic talents. They said that only talent and performance are

recognized in the Indian team, regardless of village or background. Both

credited their success to KGBV teacher Poonam Ma'am, who recognized their

talent and guided them in the right direction.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi