Ziley singh

MC Mary Kom: Legendary boxer MC Mary Kom has inspired a generation of sportspersons, especially women athletes across disciplines, and one among them is wrestler Neetu Sarkar, who battled age-old patriarchy and financial odds to carve her own path to glory even after giving birth to twins at the tender age of 14.

Neetu’s rise from the ashes is in itself an inspiration to many aspiring sportspersons, and her recent silver medal win in the women’s 57kg weight division at the ongoing 37th National Games in Goa, only serves a timely reminder that there are no freebies in sport or in life.

“I have been through a lot, don’t even want to touch upon that subject. Life gives a second chance to everyone, and today I can proudly say that I have earned each of my medals with sheer hard work and dedication to the sport,” said Neetu, currently employed with the SSB.