No matter where or when India perform, one north Indian state is always at the forefront. Out of the 12 members who formed a part of India’s World Cup winning women’s kabaddi squad, three hail from Haryana, the highest among any of the states. Moreover, chief coach Sunil Dabas is also from the state.
Priyanka (17), Kavita Devi (20) and Pramila (25) formed a part of the national squad that won the World Cup that concluded in Patna on Sunday, defeating Iran 25-19 in the final to lift the title.
“These girls have made not only the state but also the entire nation proud,” said Dabas, who incidentally was also in charge of the women’s kabaddi squad during its last big win, at the 2010 Asian Games.
“The entire team deserves accolades for the victory, but Priyanka and Kavita deserve a special mention. In the final, they controlled the wing from which their opponents were generally attacking. Pramila, too, added some points to the team’s tally.”
Priyanka, the youngest member of the squad, hails from village Adampur Dadi in Bhiwani, Kavita Devi is from Makrola village, Gurgaon, and Pramila belongs to Gagrisisana, Sonepat.
“I hope that this win will be reason enough for the state government to employ Priyanka and Kavita, and give Pramila, who is a constable in the state police, a promotion,” said Dabas, who hails from village MP Majra, Jhajjar, and is the head of the physical education department in Dronacharya College, Gurgaon.
{{/usCountry}}“I hope that this win will be reason enough for the state government to employ Priyanka and Kavita, and give Pramila, who is a constable in the state police, a promotion,” said Dabas, who hails from village MP Majra, Jhajjar, and is the head of the physical education department in Dronacharya College, Gurgaon.
{{/usCountry}}The Haryana government, which took no time in announcing hefty cash bonuses for the state’s players in the Indian men’s hockey team that recently won the Olympic qualifiers, is yet to come up with any cash rewards for its World Cup winning women.
“It’s not about the money but the honour, and we want that, just like the men, the state’s women sportspersons should also be given their due,” said Kavita, who has now represented the country in three international tournaments.