Chamba Celebrates Kabaddi Star Champa Thakur's Heroic Return

A Hero's Welcome for Champa Thakur

Subhash Mahajan
Chamba: The small panchayat of Baghaigarh in Himachal Pradesh erupted in joy on Friday, November 28, 2025, as local kabaddi sensation Champa Thakur, a member of the world champion Indian women's kabaddi team, made her triumphant return home.

As her vehicle approached Bakhri Mod, Bhalei, and Koti areas within the Dalhousie constituency, enthusiastic residents lined the streets, showering her with flower garlands and chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai!' The young athlete proudly displayed her medal, acknowledging the crowd with smiles and folded hands.

Footage from the event captured the excitement of the locals, who waved flags and documented the moment on their phones, while Champa posed with her medal for the cameras.

In an interview, Champa expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from her community. 'Being part of the world champion Indian women's kabaddi team fills me with immense pride,' she stated. She credited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel in Dharamshala for her development as an athlete, saying, 'The discipline and coaching I received during my training at SAI Dharamshala were instrumental in my success.'

Champa also shared an important message with the youth: 'Avoid drugs and other social evils. Embrace sports as a lifestyle, and success will follow.' Her victory has inspired many in the region, making her homecoming a celebration of both athletic achievement and community spirit.