Lady with no luck

Patna: Minu Kumari Singh is one player who has been repeatedly pulled back by destiny. The 29-year-old Katiahar girl has been a regular at the national camp but has missed the bus more often than not.
“I was due to play at the Kabaddi World Cup in 2012 but injured my knee just before the tournament during a practice session. I have never felt so helpless,” she said.
It was not the first time Singh saw her international dreams go up in smoke. She was part of the Indian contingent in the 2003 Junior International championship in Bangkok, but reaching late saw India miss the tournament. “The team reached there (Bangkok) late and our officials were told we could not participate.” She said.
“Even though I work hard on my game, I know I am unlucky. Every athlete needs some luck to make it big,” Singh added.
Being an optimist to the core, Singh is now pinning hopes on the Pro-kabaddi League for women when it starts next year.
“It will be a tremendous development. Kabaddi is often associated with the boys but it will be a great platform for girls to get equal. The recognition which we (women kabaddi players) have been waiting for will finally come,” says Singh.
However, she is grateful to the game for helping her get a job in the Railways and run the family. “I’ve been able to run the family on my own only because of kabaddi. The game has given me a job every sportsperson craves for,” she emphasised.
Singh made her debut for Bihar in 2001 and continued to be a permanent fixture till 2009. For one who runs a family of six, having lost her father at an early age, being lucrative is obviously an important aspect of Pro-kabaddi League.
“This is the best opportunity for anyone wanting to pursue kabaddi as career. The league is undoubtedly the best thing to have happened to the sport. Players will get recognition but more importantly, they’ll earn well.”
With three foreign players set to be a part of each team, Singh believes it is a matter of time before the sport gets Olympic status.
Yet to give up on her dream of representing India, Singh is also a qualified match official and will be the referee during the league here at Patliputra Stadium. “It will be my first tournament as a referee. I am quite nervous,” she remarked.