Indore's rising kabaddi player Muskan Sharma has taken a significant step toward donning the Indian jersey. The 20-year-old defender has been selected for the Indian women's national coaching camp currently underway in Gandhinagar, positioning her as a strong contender for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Journey from Local Ground to National Camp
Muskan, a player for Indore Wanderers, honed her skills at Bhau Shinde Khel Parisar, a historic sports ground that was recently taken over for the Metro project. The disruption disrupted training schedules for many players during critical months leading up to major competitions, but Muskan persevered through the challenges.
"For us, that ground was not just a practice venue; it was part of our lives," Muskan said. "There was uncertainty after it was taken away, but I kept focusing on training and improving my game. Getting selected for the national camp feels like a reward for that struggle."
Remarkable Season and Recognition
Muskan's rise follows a remarkable season where she emerged among the top five defenders at the Senior National Kabaddi Championship in Hyderabad. Representing Madhya Pradesh, she played a pivotal role in helping the state women's team reach the quarterfinals for the first time in over two decades.
Her coach, Vikram Awardee Dhananjay Sharma, praised her consistency and discipline. "Muskan has had a tremendous year. Her performances at nationals and in recent tournaments have been outstanding," Sharma said. "She has shown maturity, strong defensive skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. Based on current form, she is a serious contender for the Asian Games team."
Sharma added that despite the emotional setback of losing their long-time training base, the players remained committed. "The girls trained wherever possible and never allowed the difficulties to break their spirit," he said.
Balancing Academics and Sports
Alongside kabaddi, Muskan is pursuing a BCom degree from a city college, balancing academics with her dream of representing India on the international stage. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes facing similar challenges.
