In the remote tribal village of Belakchhar in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, a young girl named Sanju Devi has rewritten history with her extraordinary grit, determination, and passion for Kabaddi. Born into a very poor family, with her father working as a labourer and her mother as a homemaker, Sanju grew up with limited resources—but an unlimited fighting spirit.
Sanju’s journey began in 2016, participating in small local Kabaddi tournaments in her village. Her raw talent soon caught attention, and she was supported by the District Kabaddi Association and Jyoti Club, who offered her free training and accommodation. This turned out to be the turning point of her life.
Later, Sanju was selected for the first Girls’ Residential Kabaddi Academy at the Bahtrai Excellence Centre. Here she received formal coaching, physiotherapy support, nutritional guidance, and modern training facilities. Under the guidance of coach Dil Kumar Rathore, Sanju sharpened her skills and rose through the ranks—from state level to national, and eventually, the international stage.
Her breakthrough moment came in March 2025, when she helped India win the Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship, securing a prestigious gold medal. But an even bigger achievement awaited her.
Sanju delivered a historic performance at the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025, leading India to a sensational victory. In the grand finale held in Dhaka, she scored a remarkable 16 points, including a game-changing super raid that shifted the match in India’s favour. Her outstanding performance earned her the tournament’s highest honour — the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Sanju Devi’s story is a shining example of how dreams can rise above circumstances. From practicing on the mud grounds of her small village to becoming India’s pride on the world stage, her journey shows that no barrier is strong enough when dedication meets opportunity.
Her life stands as an inspiration for every girl and every young dreamer who dares to believe in themselves. With the right support, training, and an unbreakable spirit, no destination is too far.
