Pravin Kumari: A Trailblazer in Women's Football from Himachal Pradesh
Breaking Barriers in Sports
Pravin Kumari has dedicated her life to overcoming obstacles, first in her remote village in Himachal Pradesh and now on the football pitch. At 26, she has become a key figure in the burgeoning women's football scene in Himachal Pradesh, as highlighted in a recent press release from SAI Media.
Remarkable Performance at Khelo India Beach Games
During the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, Pravin showcased her resilience. Despite suffering a significant leg injury, her determination led the Himachal Pradesh women's team to a thrilling comeback victory against the hosts, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, in their inaugural Beach Soccer match. Pravin's critical saves were instrumental in keeping the match competitive, ultimately helping her team secure a 7-5 win.
Balancing Life and Passion
Hailing from Khatgaon village in Una district, Pravin is the youngest of three siblings and has taken on the responsibility of supporting her family. She juggles her aspirations in sports with her role as a physical education teacher at a private school in Una, ensuring her family’s financial stability while pursuing her love for football.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Pravin's journey into football was far from typical. In a community where girls were often discouraged from participating in sports, she began training alongside boys, defying societal norms. Her solitary efforts soon inspired other girls, leading to the formation of an informal training group that practiced without formal resources or coaching but with unwavering determination.
"Life is challenging for girls wanting to engage in sports. A decade ago, our village only supported boys in athletics. I started training with boys and gradually encouraged other girls to join. Although we lacked formal training, we aimed to inspire future generations, and now we have a full team competing in local tournaments," Pravin shared with SAI Media.
Reflecting on Their Beach Soccer Debut
The Himachal Pradesh team made a significant impact at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, marking their first experience with Beach Soccer. Although they trained on a specially prepared sand field for about ten days, adapting to the beach environment proved challenging due to the game's fast pace. The team managed to hold their ground in the first two quarters, with the score tied at 4-4 before Pravin's injury led to a goal conceded. However, after receiving treatment, she returned to the field, motivating her teammates and defending against DNH&DD's attacks.
"The injury occurred at a critical moment, and we nearly lost our initial lead. However, I commend the girls for their resilience. We are pleased with our performance, but this is just the beginning, and we must maintain our momentum," Pravin concluded.