Simran Kamboj: Punjab's Rising Star in Women's Kabaddi for Asian Beach Games

Simran Kamboj Selected for Asian Beach Games

In a significant achievement for Punjab, 25-year-old Simran Kamboj from Panjawa village in Muktsar district has earned a spot as a raider on the Indian women’s kabaddi team for the upcoming 6th Asian Beach Games, scheduled to take place in Sanya, China, from April 22 to 27.

Simran stands out as the only representative from Punjab in the team, which also features players like Ritu, Manisha Kumari, and Nikita from Haryana, along with Nikita Chauhan from Himachal Pradesh and Manpreet Kaur from Rajasthan.

Expressing her excitement, Simran shared her gratitude towards her family, particularly her uncle Amarjit Singh, for their unwavering support. She mentioned, “It was my father Sukhpal Chand’s aspiration to see me excel in sports. He encouraged me to pursue kabaddi during my school years, even when I was initially uninterested. Over time, I grew to love the sport and dedicated myself to it.”

Reflecting on her journey, she recounted, “I previously missed an international competition due to an elbow injury that required surgery. Although I have faced multiple injuries throughout my career, those challenges are now behind me. I have secured three gold medals in the All India University Games and a bronze in the National Games.”

Simran noted that her family does not have a sporting legacy, although her grandfather, Nand Lal, served as a subedar in the Army. The residents of her village have celebrated her success, hoping she will bring honor to the nation. Currently, Simran trains at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Dharamsala.