Indian kabaddi player Sonali Vishnu Shingate described winning the women’s team gold at the Asian Games as an emotional and proud moment, dedicating the medal to her family. The Indian team secured the title with a 37-34 victory over Iran in the final on Saturday in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, successfully defending their championship.
For Shingate, the gold medal was particularly meaningful as it marked the completion of a long-awaited Asian Games triumph after winning silver at the 2018 edition. She missed the previous Hangzhou Asian Games due to injury.
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“It’s a very happy moment for us. It’s a pride moment as well as an emotional moment. Every player dreams of representing their country and winning a gold medal. I have played many times before this, but this is first time for the newcomers in the team. It’s a very happy moment for them as well,” Shingate said following the final.
As far as I am concerned, I didn’t
“As far as I am concerned, I didn’t have an Asian Games gold medal. I have won gold medals in the World Cup, Championship and SAB Games. But I have waited a lot for the Asian Games. We won silver in 2018 and then gold in 2026. I can’t express my happiness,” she added.
India faced strong resistance from Iran but maintained composure in the final moments to clinch their third gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The Indian defence executed a crucial tackle on Aynaz with one minute remaining to prevent a late Iranian comeback.
“Indians always dream of winning a gold medal in Asian Games. We have fulfilled their dream today. We are very happy about it,” Shingate remarked.
The experienced player dedicated the medal to herself
The experienced player dedicated the medal to herself and her family, praising their continuous support throughout her career.
“I would like to dedicate the medal to myself and my family. Every player works hard, has patience and struggles. I would like to dedicate the medal to my family as they always support me. They always tell me to practice and rest. I have a lot of support from them,” she stated.
Shingate also called for enhanced opportunities for women kabaddi players in India, proposing the establishment of a women’s league similar to the men’s Pro Kabaddi League to foster growth in the sport.
I would like to tell the government
“I would like to tell the government that they are already supporting Kabaddi at an international level. If there is a Pro Kabaddi League like tournament in our country, it would be very good for women’s players. There is a men’s league now. This will increase professionalism in Kabaddi. Talent will come out more. Every player will get financial support from the franchises. The glamour of Kabaddi will also increase. Especially for women’s Kabaddi. I would like to tell them to focus on Kabaddi. Let’s start a women’s Kabaddi league as soon as possible,” she urged.
Sonali’s coach, Rajesh Padave, reflected on her journey to the Asian Games gold, recalling her decision to prioritise recovery after an injury that forced her to miss the Hangzhou Games.
“It is a matter of great pride that the women’s team has won gold. First, we secured gold in cricket, and now the women’s Kabaddi team has also won gold. This is a huge achievement, and I congratulate the entire Kabaddi team,” Padave said.
He recounted a conversation before the last Asian
He recounted a conversation before the last Asian Games when Shingate chose not to compete due to injury.
“Just before the Asian Games in China last time, Sonali suffered an injury. I told her that the injury isn’t a major issue and she can still go and play. She replied, ‘I won’t be able to give 100%. It would be better for me to just come back home.’ It was actually a difficult situation, as she could have easily gone to play. But she said, ‘Sir, I will work hard and play in the next Asian Games,’ acknowledging the significant difference in performance levels required. Despite that, she worked incredibly hard, made it back into the Indian team for the Asian Games, and is now returning with a gold medal. We feel immense pride.”
This victory allowed India to retain the women’s kabaddi gold from the Hangzhou Asian Games and increased their overall medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Games to 27, comprising three gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze medals.
Source: thenewsmill.com
