How a kabaddi club is changing Indian girls’ lives

Even if they haven’t become professional sportswomen, many members of the club have seen their confidence grow and have persuaded their families to let them go to university and delay marriage until they are older.

The community has become more accepting too, and when they see girls exercising, people don’t frown at them any more.

The club is funded by the coaches, cash prizes that the team win in competitions and occasional donations. Most of the girls are from poor and underprivileged families and don’t have to pay any subscription fees.

As well as training in term time, the club organises and funds residential sports camps at the school in the summer, provides food such as eggs, bananas and milk, and often pays for treatment for players’ injuries.

Over time, parents’ fears have been assuaged, but critics sometimes question the coaches’ motives. “People say things indirectly like. ‘Why don’t you coach boys?'” says Daji. But he says there are already opportunities for boys, and there is a gap when it comes to girls.

“We are not just their coaches,” adds Vilas. “At times we are their parents, guiding them, disciplining them, helping them make the right choice.”

And Meena knows the potential of this prized opportunity: “I want to be the best raider and become the captain of India’s Kabaddi team,” she says, daring to dream about medals, championships and leaving an ordinary village girl’s life behind.