Argha Bhattacharya
Bhubaneswar, June 13: Gone are the days when martial arts were restricted to men only. In a society where there is no security for women, they have taken it upon themselves to fight against atrocities and for this reason karate as a sport, has become very popular among the fairer sex – kids included.
Simone Singh of Orissa is one such example. A gold medal winner in the 12-13 years girls’ kata event of the ongoing VIth All India Karate Championships at the Utkal Karate School here, Simone has taken to the sport like a duck takes to water.
Having seen her father Rajib Kumar Singh actively involved in the sport as a referee, Simone stated that she opted for the sport, as it sharpened her self-defence techniques and helped her to stay fit. “I got attracted to karate seeing my dad. I train under him. I want to continue with karate as it boosts my confidence to face challenges in life,” said the seventh standard girl from DAV Public School, Rourkela.
Rajib stated that karate has helped inculcating a sense of discipline in Simone. “I never forced her (Simone) to take up karate. She did it on her own and today she is a very disciplined girl. It will also help her in protecting herself,” said Rajib.
Babyba Sarkar is another kid who cannot do without her daily dose of kata and kumite. A student of St. Xavier’s High School, Khandagiri, this 12-year-old started learning karate to become self-dependant.
“Eve teasing is a huge malice in our society. If I know karate I will be able to tackle these eve teasers,” she stated. “All girls should at least opt for basic karate training for their own safety,” she added.
Babyba’s father Banibrata credited coach Hari Patnaik’s contribution for her daughter’s success. “The scientific training which Kato sir (Hari Patnaik) provides has helped Babyba develop into a star performer. But above all she is also learning to take care of herself,” stated Banibrata.
Both Simone and Babyba have shown that if there is a will there is a way. The others should follow suit for a better tomorrow.
