From Lost Ground to National Glory: Indore's Muskan Sharma Rises as Top Kabaddi Defender
For generations, the Bhau Shinde Khel Parisar in Indore stood as more than just a playground—it was a sacred space where dreams took flight. Young athletes, often barefoot or in worn-out footwear, learned the intricacies of kabaddi, volleyball, and the profound discipline that sport instills. This century-old ground served as a nurturing cradle for countless sporting aspirations, embedding itself deeply in the community's fabric.
The Vanishing of a Sporting Sanctuary
Today, that iconic ground is gone, claimed by the city's expanding Metro project. Its disappearance marked a poignant loss for the local sporting ecosystem, erasing a physical landmark that had witnessed decades of sweat, struggle, and triumph. The timing of this demolition was particularly cruel for many athletes, coinciding with the peak preparation months for crucial state and national championships.
Among those most affected was Muskan Sharma, a 20-year-old kabaddi player who had trained on that very ground for over a decade as part of the Indore Wanderers club. "That ground made me who I am," Muskan reflected. "When it was taken away, I felt like part of my life was ripped from me. But giving up was never an option. I had to find a way to keep training." Her words capture the emotional turmoil faced by athletes when their primary training venue vanishes overnight.
Triumph Amidst Adversity at the National Stage
Muskan's unwavering determination bore fruit at the 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship held in Hyderabad. Representing Madhya Pradesh, she played a pivotal role in the women's team's historic campaign. The squad reached the quarter-finals for the first time in over two decades, ultimately securing a commendable 5th-place finish.
Despite a 23–48 loss to the formidable Haryana team, Muskan's defensive prowess shone brightly. She executed an impressive 18 successful dismissals throughout the tournament, a performance that earned her a coveted spot among India's top five defenders. Railways' Suman led the defensive rankings with 22 points, followed closely by Haryana's Ritu with 20, highlighting the competitive intensity of the championship.
Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges
The journey to this national success was fraught with logistical hurdles. Coach Dhananjay Sharma recounted the immediate aftermath of the ground's demolition: "After Bhau Shinde Khel Parisar was taken away, training collapsed for days. When we finally secured the government Malharashram School ground as an alternative, it lacked basic facilities—no changing rooms, no proper infrastructure. The girls were heartbroken, yet they pushed on. I am immensely proud of Muskan, Kanchan, and the others; they transformed heartbreak into outstanding performance."
This resilience extended beyond Muskan. Three other Indore Wanderers players—Kanchan Dixit, Preeti Pal, and Manisha Awasia—were also integral members of the state squad, showcasing the depth of talent nurtured in the region despite infrastructural setbacks.
Balancing Academics and Athletic Ambition
Muskan's story is not just one of sporting achievement but also of remarkable balance. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree while maintaining a rigorous training schedule. This dual commitment underscores her discipline and long-term vision, proving that academic pursuits and elite athletic performance can coexist.
Her narrative stands as a powerful testament to resilience—a young athlete rising from the shadow of lost grounds to national recognition. It reaffirms that passion, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit can triumph over adversity, inspiring future generations to chase their dreams regardless of the obstacles in their path.
