From the small village of Leela ki Dhani in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, comes Komal Shekhawat — a remarkable young woman chasing big dreams with determination and grit. Komal isn’t just a sportsperson; she’s a role model for thousands of youth, especially girls, across the region. Her ultimate goal? To represent India at the Olympics and secure a job with Indian Railways. Her story is one of hard work, passion, and an unbreakable spirit to overcome challenges. Let’s dive into Komal’s incredible journey.
Komal’s Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Sporting Success
Komal’s sporting career began with basketball, where she quickly made a name for herself with her talent and dedication. Her story stands as proof that with relentless effort, dreams do come true.
Early Steps and Achievements
Starting off in basketball, Komal soon started winning state-level medals and earned respect in Rajasthan’s basketball circles. She was selected for the prestigious Sai Academy in Jaipur — Rajasthan’s largest sports academy. There, she played at SMS Stadium, representing the Rajasthan team.
Later, Komal earned a 100% scholarship at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab, covering her education, accommodation, and food. This scholarship recognized her exceptional talent. At LPU, she not only played basketball but also competed nationally in netball and korfball, winning medals in the latter as well.
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Her first international outing was to Lishan, China, where she proudly represented India. Soon after, she participated in a national tournament in Chennai. At just 19 (turning 19 on 1st September), Komal is the youngest player in her team, with a bright future ahead.
Olympic Dreams and Railway Aspirations
Komal’s biggest dream is to compete for India at the Olympics. She is preparing to give the Olympic trials soon and is confident about achieving this goal. Alongside sports, she hopes to secure a stable job with Indian Railways, which she sees as a reliable career option.
This balance shows her practical approach — focusing on both her passion and future security.
Challenges in Indian Sports
Komal has witnessed many hurdles in the Indian sports ecosystem. She points out that athletes often lack proper nutrition and diet support from the government, which affects their performance. Without the right diet, even the most talented players cannot perform at their peak.
Another major challenge is the shortage of good coaches and quality training environments. Komal mentions that many Indian athletes have to train abroad to access top-level coaching, like Neeraj Chopra training in Germany with a German coach. She questions why this kind of training isn’t available here in India.
She also adds that sometimes, a few bad coaches spoil the entire atmosphere, comparing it to “one fish polluting the whole pond.” She believes the government must address these gaps to help Indian athletes shine on the world stage.
Societal Mindset and Player Struggles
Coming from a small village, Komal is aware of the local mindset that often discourages young people from trying something new. She explains how some villagers “pull the leg” of kids who dare to dream, which dampens their spirit.
She wishes for a change in society’s outlook — for people to support rather than discourage budding athletes.
Dreams for Her Village
Despite her big ambitions, Komal hasn’t forgotten her roots. She dreams of having a simple sports ground in her village where kids can play in the evenings. She hopes experienced people from the village, especially those in the army, guide and motivate children to take sports seriously.
To Komal, sports aren’t just entertainment; they are a promising career path. She points out that many government jobs are now available through sports quotas, which aren’t so easy to get otherwise. A playground can give children a positive direction in life.
Message for Youth and Girls
Komal urges all young people to be free and encouraged to chase their dreams. She especially emphasizes that parents must give girls the freedom to grow, learn, and succeed while staying responsible.
Her advice to girls is to always choose the right path and maintain their family’s trust. If something wrong happens, they should speak up. She stresses that freedom should be used wisely.
The Reality of Jobs Through Sports Quota
Komal also clears a common misconception — many players think playing a little sport will guarantee a government job through the sports quota. But she explains that even national and international medal winners struggle to get jobs sometimes. Success demands continuous hard work and persistence.
Personal Challenges and Family Support
As a female athlete, Komal faces specific challenges like managing her diet carefully, dealing with difficult days in her monthly cycle, and staying fit. She credits her coach, who is also a mother, for encouraging her and the team to push through.
Her family, especially her grandmother, grandfather (a retired army man), and brother, have been her biggest pillars. They’ve supported her journey since she started playing basketball, encouraging her through every stage — from playing at SMS Stadium to competing internationally.
Celebrating Wins and Looking Ahead
For Komal, every match is a challenge, and every victory brings immense joy. When she wins and receives medals, she remembers her family, village, and country — a moment filled with pride.
She’s fully preparing for the Olympic trials, backed by her family and community’s hopes. Everyone dreams to see her bring home a gold medal and make India proud.
