Coimbatore: R Prehi, from SeeritenickenPalayam in Coimbatore, had to drop out of school because he was unable to pay his tuition fees.
His parents, who are construction workers, are often considered unemployed during a pandemic.
He did not have electricity in his house, but this problem did not appear in his mind when he played Kabaddi.
Preethi led a group of girls, coming from the same background, towards the victory in the tournament held at Nepal last month.
Previously, the team had won national level competition.
They don’t have the means to go to Nepal.
Because it’s not a government sponsored event, they must look for sponsors.
Team coach G Satish Kumar managed to send girls by getting some sponsors and spending part of his own pocket.
“Last year I joined College, but had to stop because I didn’t have a cellphone to attend online class.
Now I am back securing the entrance ticket, but I need to pay money for semester fees to attend classes, which I don’t have.
Sports helps forget the difficulties.
I have played over the past six years, fighting with all obstacles, “he said.
His teammate C Keerthana, who studied in class XI, lost his father a year ago.
His mother worked as a construction worker to raise four children.
Kabaddi is his biggest inspiration.
Coming from Thagam, Keerthana never missed the bus 5.30 in the morning to Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore to make it on time to practice at 7 in the morning.
“I didn’t eat in the morning.
For lunch, I ate at our coach’s house and his teammate’s house on alternative days because my mother was unable to give me money for food.
He borrowed Rs 5,000 for my school entrance ticket and paid it with Keep in installments.
But he continued to encourage me to pursue sports.
Playing in the Pro Kabaddi League is my ambition, “he said.
Girls came together under the guidance of Satish coach four years ago.
A former Kabaddi player he said that the 20 girl team formed organically.
He began with coaching in a private school when he began to get questions from girls from other schools who were interested in taking Kabaddi.
Today he is proud of his team.
“The girls are very since and have developed the skills to play in everything.
They are just waiting for their turn,” he said.