Rasmita Sahoo has been the only player from Orissa to play in the first edition of the prestigious Women’s Kabaddi Challenge (WKC)
tournament. Her team ‘Storm Queen’ emerged champions and she played a crucial role in the success. She was also a member of the Indian women’s team, who won the Kabaddi World Cup in 2012. The player opened up in a tete-a tete with Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra. Excerpts…
What is your opinion about Pakistan’s ouster from the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup in India?
I fully support the move. When our soldiers are being martyred, how can we participate with them in any form of sport? It is good that they have not been allowed to take part.
How has been your experience in the WKC?
It has been a great learning curve. There were three teams – Storm Queen, Ice Divas and Fire Birds in the event. Storm Queen emerged champions defeating Fire Birds in a nail-biting final. The tournament was played in the same courts meant for boys of the Pro Kabaddi League. We had Indian captain Tejeswini Bai in our ranks and I learnt a lot playing alongside her.
How was your performance in the tournament?
I am pretty satisfied with my own performance. In the final played at Hyderabad, with the score tied 21-all, I scored the winning point to help the side win. (Smiles) My best was reserved for the last game.
How has been the crowd response for WKC?
WKC has been a huge success. The audience response was incredible. I am sure that the event will grow immensely popular in the days to come and will match the Pro Kabadddi League.
What does the future hold for WKC?
It looks bright with the organisers planning to make it a mega event with six teams this time. In the first edition, I was the only player from Orissa. But I am certain that in the upcoming edition the number of players from the state will rise with the increase in the number of teams.
Can you name any state player who may get a chance to play in the WKC?
Nothing can be said beforehand but I will place my bets on Sradhanjali Panda, Manaswini Sahoo and Bidu Prava Swain. But it all depends on how they perform in the Inter-District Kabaddi tournament in Sambalpur, starting October 21. If they are selected to the state team, certainly they will be watched by spotters of the various franchises.
Would you like to comment on the amount you got during the players auction?
We were not paid this time as it was the first edition. We only got medals. We will be financially rewarded from the next edition.
What is the state of women’s kabaddi in India?
It has definitely gained in popularity and the credit goes to the Pro Kabaddi League. After cricket, kabaddi has the highest TRP. The Indian women’s kabaddi team are stronger than the men. Iran are giving a tough fight in the men’s segment, but the women are invincible.
What about the facilities and infrastructure for the sport in Orissa? Why don’t many more players get a chance to play in the national side?
The infrastructure is good and we also have some excellent coaches. But the sport is not run systematically. We need more training camps for the players to sharpen their skills.
Your targets?
I am aiming to do well in the Asian Kabaddi Championships in 2018. I am training hard for the event. But first, I want to do well in the National Kabaddi Championships in November.
