Sabina Kumari: From Jharkhand's Rural Roots to Cycling Stardom
A Rising Star in Cycling
New Delhi [India] - Sabina Kumari, an 18-year-old cyclist from the Chatra district of Jharkhand, has made a remarkable debut at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) held in Patna, Bihar. Coming from humble beginnings, with her father working as a daily wage laborer and her mother as a housewife, she has secured three medals in cycling.
In her first appearance at the KIYG, Sabina clinched two gold medals in the girls' Keirin and Team Sprint events, along with a bronze in the 200m Sprint.
"This being my inaugural Khelo India Youth Games, I am thrilled with my performance and the three medals I earned. The individual Keirin event was my standout achievement," expressed a delighted Sabina, who trains at the National Centre of Excellence, as reported by SAI Media.
Her journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Sabina remarked, "I have always maintained focus and worked diligently. Many girls in rural areas aspire to achieve their dreams but lack opportunities. I want to encourage them to work hard and pursue their passions, whether in sports or other fields."
Sabina's foray into sports was somewhat serendipitous. She shared, "I was unaware of sports back then. In 2017, my father filled out a form under the Central Coalfields Ltd initiative by the Jharkhand Government, hoping for a better future for me. That simple act transformed my life."
At the age of 12, she began cycling at the Jharkhand State Sports Promotion Society (JSPS) Academy in Ranchi, where she caught the attention of coach Ram Kapoor Bhatt. Recognizing her potential, Bhatt, a multiple medalist from the 2011 National Games, encouraged her to explore sprint cycling.
"I started training under Ram sir when I was 13 in 2018, and I never looked back. By 2021, my consistent progress led to a gold and bronze at my first national championship in Jaipur. That was the moment I began to believe in my potential," Sabina recounted.
Despite the challenges of pursuing a sports career while her parents worked hard to support the family, Sabina credits the Khelo India Scheme for her success, stating, "The Khelo India Scheme has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today."
In 2024, she achieved her first international medal as part of the Indian team that won sprint gold at the Asian Championships in Delhi. Currently, she trains at the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) IG Stadium under the guidance of French cycling legend Kevin Sireau, further refining her skills. "He is an excellent mentor. My goal now is to represent India at the Olympics," she said.
While completing her 12th-grade studies through self-learning, Sabina manages to balance her academics with rigorous training. She remains thankful for her roots and her coach, Ram Bhatt.
"Cycling has seen significant growth in Jharkhand. Approximately 25-30 kids are now training under Ram Sir. He is dedicated to helping us succeed, and I am incredibly grateful to have met him at the right time," she concluded.