Indore's Lost Playground Legacy Produces Kabaddi Champion
For generations, Bhau Shinde Khel Parisar in Indore stood as more than just a sports ground—it served as a sacred training ground where dreams took flight. Young athletes, often barefoot or wearing worn-out footwear, learned the fundamentals of kabaddi, volleyball, and the essential discipline required for competitive sports on this historic field.
The End of an Era and the Birth of a Champion
Today, the century-old playground has vanished, acquired for a Metro infrastructure project. Yet, from its fading legacy emerged Muskan Sharma, a determined 20-year-old who secured a prestigious position among India's top five defenders at the recent 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship held in Hyderabad.
Muskan, who trained for over a decade at Bhau Shinde Khel Parisar as part of the Indore Wanderers club, faced the ground's loss during the crucial peak months of preparation for state and national championships. "That ground made me who I am," Muskan reflected emotionally. "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."
Triumph Against Adversity on the National Stage
Her unwavering determination yielded remarkable results. Representing Madhya Pradesh, Muskan played a pivotal role as the women's team reached the quarter-finals for the first time in over two decades, ultimately finishing in fifth place. Despite a challenging 23–48 loss to Haryana, Muskan's defensive excellence—marked by 18 successful dismissals—earned her national recognition among the tournament's elite defenders.
Throughout the championship, Muskan delivered a consistently strong defensive performance, executing those crucial 18 dismissals. In the overall defenders' rankings, Railways' Suman led with 22 points, followed closely by Haryana's Ritu with 20 points.
Overcoming Training Challenges with Resilience
Coach Dhananjay Sharma recalled the significant struggles the team faced after losing their primary training venue. "After Bhau Shinde Khel Parisar was taken away, our training collapsed for several days. When we finally secured the government Malharashram School ground, it lacked basic facilities and changing rooms. The girls were heartbroken, yet they pushed forward with incredible spirit. I am immensely proud of Muskan, Kanchan, and the others—they transformed heartbreak into outstanding performance."
Balancing Academics and Athletic Excellence
Muskan exemplifies the modern student-athlete, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree while maintaining a rigorous training schedule. Her inspiring journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience, demonstrating how a young athlete can rise from the shadow of lost grounds to achieve national acclaim.
Apart from Muskan, three other Indore Wanderers players—Kanchan Dixit, Preeti Pal, and Manisha Awasia—were integral members of the Madhya Pradesh state squad, showcasing the enduring talent emerging from Indore's sporting community despite infrastructure challenges.
