Chennai, 16 February (H.S.) : In the heart of Virugambakkam, 14-year-old Lekisha M is carving a path of excellence in the traditional sport of Kabaddi, recently clinching a silver medal at the 35th Junior Sub-National Kabaddi Championship held in Haryana.

Training at the PG Brothers Kabaddi Club, Lekisha’s success is a testament to her rigorous discipline and the mentorship of her coach, S Maran, a retired professional who has dedicated over two decades to training young athletes free of cost.

The journey for Lekisha hasn't been without its hurdles, as she and her coach described the challenges of practicing on rustic dirt fields, often braving heavy rains and a lack of modern institutional support.

Despite these setbacks, the young athlete remains undeterred, fueled by a singular, powerful ambition: to represent India on the international stage and wear the national jersey.

Coach Maran emphasized that Lekisha’s silver medal is not just a personal victory but a result of years of grassroots hard work behind the scenes in Chennai’s local sports circuits.

The story highlights a significant gap in infrastructure for women in sports, yet underscores the resilience found in local clubs. Lekisha’s story is gaining traction as an inspiration for young girls in Tamil Nadu, proving that talent and determination can overcome a lack of high-end facilities.

As she continues her training, Lekisha remains focused on her ultimate goal, representing a new generation of female athletes who are ready to dominate the Kabaddi mat, regardless of the obstacles in their way.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary