A TOAST TO THE CAPTAINS OF TEAM INDIA

Five captains, five journeys. The women who led India to sporting glory in the year gone by speak to Karan Sethi about the challenges they overcame and the aspirations they now hold

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We deserve more equality and respect: Kabaddi Captain Ritu Negi

When the Indian Women's Kabaddi team lifted the Women's Kabaddi World Cup last year, it marked a significant moment for women in the sport. Leading the side to victory was captain Ritu Negi, 33, whose journey came with its own challenges.

Growing up in a small town in Himachal Pradesh, stepping onto the mat meant pushing against social expectations. "Kabaddi is played in shorts, and that in itself was a huge thing for someone coming from a small town. When I started playing back home, everyone questioned, 'Kabaddi khel kar kya hoga, koi career thodi banega ismein'. But my family never let me listen to the outside noise." The World Cup win created a legacy for the future, and she says, "When you win, you create a path for the next generation of young girls." At the same time, Ritu points out that challenges remain for women athletes. Despite the historic victory, she says recognition often falls short. "Facilities, equipment, resources we have to compromise everywhere. We deserve more respect and equality," she adds.

For the captain, the message is simple.

"Ladke aur ladkiyan dono mehnat karte hain, medal bhi dono late hain. Bas humein equal treat karo"

We have made history: Ice Hockey Team Captain Tsewang Chuskit

Until recently, few people knew that India even had a women's ice hockey team. That changed when our team created history by winning its first-ever medal, a bronze at the IIHF Asia Cup.

Captain Tsewang Chuskit calls the moment both a milestone and a step forward for women's sport in the country.