Indore, 29 May (H.S.) : The land of Indore has once again proved that when the resolve is strong, traditions also create new dimensions. With her passion, struggle and hard work, women wrestler Neelima Borasi created such a history in the wrestling arena that it is not just a victory in the sport but also an echo of change in the thinking of the society.

The inspiration of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar became the foundation stone

This journey of Neelima did not start just like that. The ancient wrestling tradition of Indore, which has been going on since the time of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, became her inspiration. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was not only an ideal ruler, but she also played an important role in the empowerment of women and the preservation of traditional sports. It was during her time that grand wrestling competitions were started in the Rajwada of Indore, which are still alive today.

Journey from struggles to respect

Neelima tells that when she started wrestling, the attitude of the society was very negative. Questions and taunts like Wrestling being a girl? How will I get married? What will people say? shocked her family as well. Even her parents were insulted by the neighbourhood and relatives. But Neelima did not give up. She participated in seven-eight national competitions, received a diploma from the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the Madhya Pradesh Government and then did not look back. After winning the bronze medal in the Senior National, she answered the critics with her performance.

Now the same society says - 'She is my daughter'

Today Neelima is not only a national-international level player, but has also become a coach. She is giving her services to the Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the state government. Seeing her achievements, today the same people proudly say - She is my daughter! Those who used to taunt her, today introduce her with pride.

Role model for women

Neelima says that earlier girls who wanted to become wrestlers did not get a place in the wrestling ring. But when leaders like former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, who was an MP from Indore, recognized her efforts, the women's wrestling ring in Indore was given more facilities, such as getting a roof built, providing necessary equipment and facilities. Now the situation is such that many families have started sending their daughters to wrestling from the very beginning, thinking that they will also become like Neelima.

New direction to Indore's tradition

In Indore, which has now emerged as a modern city, such re-establishment of traditional sports and active participation of women in it is no less than a revolution. The credit for this goes not only to Neelima Borasi, but also to that historical tradition, whose foundation was laid by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Neelima Borasi is not just a name but a message that when the intentions are strong and traditions are carried forward in the right direction, women not only make a mark in a tough sport like wrestling but also defeat the thinking of the society in wrestling.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi