Area: Sports
In recent years, Punjab has witnessed a weighty change in the landscape of female athletics, driven by a growing recognition of the importance of sports for girls. Traditionally, societal norms and gender stereotypes have posed barriers to women’s participation in physical activities. However, initiatives aimed at empowering young women through sports are beginning to change this narrative.
According to various reports, including those from local NGOs and government programs, there has been a notable increase in female participation in sports across the state. Programs like the One Girl, One Football initiative have successfully engaged hundreds of girls in rural areas, providing them with training and resources to pursue sports like football and boxing. This shift enhances self-esteem among young girls and challenges long-standing gender norms that have historically limited their opportunities.
Harnoorpreet Kaur, a 14-year-old boxing champion from Bhairupa village in Bathinda, exemplifies this change. Emerging as a promising talent in boxing, her journey from a small village to becoming a district and state-level champion highlights the potential of young female athletes in Punjab. With support from programs like the Sports Lab, Harnoorpreet is not just breaking records but also inspiring other girls to follow suit.
Harnoorpreet studies at Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) and lives with her parents and two younger siblings—a sister and a brother. Her father works as a carpenter on a contractual basis, while her mother is a homemaker. Despite financial constraints, Harnoorpreet’s family has supported her passion for boxing, recognising its potential to open doors for her future.
In 2022, Harnoorpreet began her boxing journey under the guidance of coach Nirmal Singh at the local Sports Lab. The program provided her with essential training and access to equipment that would have otherwise been unavailable. She committed herself to rigorous training sessions, attending both morning and evening practices regularly. In just over a year of training, Harnoorpreet has made remarkable strides in her boxing career:
- District Championships: She won two gold medals representing Bathinda.
- State Level: At the Khedan Wadan tournament, she secured one gold medal.
- Open District Championship: In June 2023, she earned a silver medal, finishing in second place.
- School State Tournament: Last year, she achieved gold and bronze medals, showcasing her versatility and skill.
Harnoorpreet attributes much of her success to the Sports Lab program. The initiative provided her with training facilities and career counselling sessions that were instrumental in shaping her outlook on sports and education. She describes these sessions as “insightful and inspirational,” emphasising their role in motivating young athletes like herself.
Despite her family’s financial constraints, which affected their ability to support her training needs fully with ongoing support from the Sports Lab program and encouragement from her family, she aims to turn her represent India at national and international levels in boxing. She is committed to continuing her training and improving her skills.
The emergence of female athletes like Harnoorpreet is crucial for nurturing a culture of sports among girls in Punjab. These young women excel in their respective fields and serve as role models for their peers, encouraging them to pursue sports despite societal challenges. As more girls take up athletics, they collectively reshape perceptions about women’s capabilities and roles within their communities.
