'Khali pet gold jita hai': Why India's kabaddi team did not eat before final

At just 17 years old, Haryana's Nikita Kumari delivered a remarkable performance that helped India's women's kabaddi team secure a gold medal at an international tournament. Born into a family where kabaddi was deeply ingrained, Nikita began playing the sport at the tender age of eight. Her coach, Sunil Dabad, attributes her mental toughness to her rural upbringing in Haryana, where most children grew up playing the game.

Nikita's talent was evident even in junior competitions, where she represented India and later captained the Indian junior team.

During the final against Iran, Nikita stepped onto the mat when India faced a challenging situation. Despite the pressure and the weight of the occasion, she responded with an attacking performance that provided the impetus India needed to secure victory. Her determination shone through, even as she battled an injury throughout the match. Coach Dabad noted that Nikita's mental toughness became crucial when Iran, a strong opponent, played a rough game amid intense pressure.

Nikita's mother, Vinod Kumari, expressed immense pride in her daughter's achievement. She recalled that Nikita showed a natural inclination towards kabaddi from a young age, starting her training in Class 3. The support from her family and the community has been unwavering, with Nikita's three younger sisters also pursuing the sport.

Nikita's success has not only brought pride to Haryana but also to the entire country, as she represents India on the global stage. The family plans a grand welcome upon her return, acknowledging the sacrifices she has made by staying in Gurugram for her studies and training.