Kolkata: A farmer's daughter from a village in South 24 Parganas who completed her higher secondary at a madrassa has brought glory to the state and country after helping India clinch gold in the women's 4x400 m relay at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong earlier this month.
Tahura Khatun's rise from an impoverished farming household in Bhangar's Phulbari village to the sporting spotlight has acquired significance beyond sport as her talent has transcended stereotypes. A former student of Bhangar AH High Madrassa, the 19-year-old comes from a background and an educational institution that have frequently found themselves at the centre of political and public debate in the state in recent years.
Tahura is, however, filled with pride at the opportunity to represent her country and the state on the international stage. "I am happy I could bring honour to my state and country. I want to represent my country in the Olympics and bring home the gold," she said.
Tahura was part of the Indian quartet with Bhumika Sanjay Nehate, Sehnoor Bawa and Neeru Pathak that clocked 3:38.07 to finish ahead of Kazakhstan, which took silver in 3:43.63. The youngest of four siblings, Tahura is the daughter of Mir Taiyab Ali, who works on land owned by others, and Anwora Bibi, an anganwadi worker. The family struggled financially but never stood in the way of the teenager's passion for sports.
"She used to play cricket and football with boys when she was a child. When our parents noticed her passion for sports, they encouraged her to pursue it," said Tahura's eldest brother Mir Alamgir Ali.
According to family members, it was one of her teachers who first recognised her athletic abilities. Tahura then began participating in competitions and gradually emerged as a promising athlete. She completed her higher secondary education last year, and is currently training at Sports Authority of India in Salt Lake.
"If we get support from the govt, we can achieve much more," she said. Sports and youth affairs minister Indranil Khan met Tahura earlier this week and assured her of support to pursue her sporting ambitions. "We need to encourage boys and girls like Tahura from a young age. We will extend all help to her," Khan said.
For many in Phulbari, Tahura's achievement is a testament to perseverance and offers a powerful rebuttal to stereotypes.
"I have been flooded with congratulatory messages from everywhere. People have shown immense love and support. I hope I will keep receiving it in the future, too," said Tahura.
