Three Daughters of Haryana Selected in Indian Kabaddi Team for Asian Championship

Haryana's daughters are shining on the world stage again! Three fierce kabaddi players from the state have just earned spots on India's national women's team, and their villages couldn't be prouder.

Ritu from Kakdoli Hatti village, Pooja Kajla from tiny Hathwala, and Pooja Narwal from Ridhana will soon be showing their skills in Tehran. The Asian Championship kicks off March 9th, giving these women just days to prepare for representing the country. = "My family didn't even know what kabaddi was when I started playing," Ritu told reporters with a laugh. "Now my father's the one telling neighbors to turn on their TVs when my matches are on!"

"These girls have worked incredibly hard to reach this level," says Kuldeep Dalal, Chairman of Haryana Amateur Kabaddi Association. "Their selection shows how our state continues to produce world-class kabaddi talent." 

Farm fields to winning shields - that's Ritu's journey in a nutshell. Growing up watching her father till the soil in Kakdoli Hatti, she never imagined she'd one day wear the national colors. But her lightning-quick raids and bulldozer-like strength caught everyone's attention at local tournaments. 

"When I first told my parents I wanted to play kabaddi professionally, they were worried," Ritu shared with a smile. "Now I have a secure job with CISF in Panipat and medals hanging on our living room wall."

Meanwhile, Pooja Narwal has become the defensive wall that opponents fear. Her Indian Railways job keeps her traveling across the country, but she never misses practice. "Sometimes I train at railway stations between shifts," she admitted. "My colleagues know not to mess with me - they've seen what I can do on the kabaddi mat!"

The sixth Asian Championship will be a testing ground for these athletes as they aim to maintain India's dominant position in international kabaddi.

"When these three step onto the mat wearing the Indian jersey, they'll be carrying the hopes of their villages, Haryana, and the entire nation," adds Dalal with visible pride. "Their success shows our daughters can achieve anything with proper support and determination."