At the tender age of 14, Khushbu, a spirited girl from Bareilly, stumbled upon sepaktakraw, a popular sport in Malaysia, while observing boys playing at Major Dhyanchand Stadium SAI center.
Initially confusing it with a variant of volleyball, Khushbu’s curiosity led her to inquire about the sport from her father, Gopal, a home guard stationed at the stadium.
Upon learning about the sport, Khushbu expressed her desire to play, leading her father to approach the coach. The coach expressed the need for three more girls to form a team.
Undeterred, Khushbu, already involved in athletics, brought three friends from school, all eager to try their hand at sepaktakraw. This marked the beginning of a coaching program for girls in sepaktakraw at the stadium.
Overcoming Societal Challenges
Khushbu’s journey wasn’t without its share of challenges. Apart from financial constraints, she faced criticism from neighbors and relatives who disapproved of her wearing shorts. Undaunted, Khushbu’s family stood by her.
To counter societal taunts, her grandmother, displaying a remarkable strength of character, took her for a boyish haircut. Khushbu has maintained her short hairstyle since then, defying societal norms.
Grandmother’s Unfulfilled Dream
Khushbu’s grandmother harbored a dream of seeing her in an Indian Army uniform. Tragically, she passed away during Khushbu’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) training. Despite the loss, Khushbu credits her grandmother’s unwavering dedication and support for the achievements she has garnered in her life.
Paving the Way for Others
Now a 27-year-old sepaktakraw medalist, Khushbu aspires to inspire more girls from Bareilly to take up the sport. Despite societal challenges, she envisions a future where numerous girls from her city proudly represent India in sepaktakraw and other sports.
Heroic Homecoming and Community Support
Khushbu’s return to Bareilly after winning India’s first-ever medal in women’s sepaktakraw at the Asian Games was nothing short of historic. Unlike the usual road jams caused by political gatherings, the city witnessed a warm reception for Khushbu.
Thousands gathered to welcome her, signifying a shift in the community’s perspective. Overwhelmed by the support, Khushbu sees her journey not only as a personal triumph but also as an inspiration for the community.
Positive Takeaway
Khushbu’s remarkable journey from discovering sepaktakraw in Bareilly to winning an Asian Games medal showcases her resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of her family.
Beyond personal success, Khushbu is on a mission to encourage more girls from her city to break barriers and pursue their passion for sports. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication and support, one can overcome societal challenges and make a mark on the international stage.
