Sonali Shingate dedicates Asian Games gold to family, calls for women's Kabaddi league
Kabaddi star Sonali Shingate celebrates Asian Games gold and calls for a women's Kabaddi league after India's thrilling win over Iran.
Indian kabaddi star Sonali Vishnu Shingate has described her recent Asian Games gold medal win as a deeply emotional and proud milestone. After helping the Indian women's team successfully defend their title with a hard-fought 37-34 victory over Iran in the final on Saturday, Shingate dedicated the triumph to her family and issued a passionate plea for the establishment of a women's kabaddi league.
A long-awaited golden moment
For Shingate, this victory was the culmination of a long journey. Having secured a silver medal at the 2018 edition and missing the Hangzhou Asian Games due to injury, the gold medal represents the ultimate achievement in her career. While she has previously tasted success in the World Cup, Championships, and SAB Games, the Asian Games title remained the one missing piece of her legacy.
"It's a very happy moment for us. It's a pride moment as well as an emotional moment," Shingate told ANI. "Every player dreams of representing their country and winning a gold medal. I have played many times before this, but this is the first time for the newcomers in the team. It's a very happy moment for them as well."
Reflecting on her personal journey, she added, "As far as I am concerned, I didn't have an Asian Games gold medal... We won silver in 2018 and then gold in 2026. I can't express my happiness."
Overcoming injury and adversity
The road to the podium was not easy. Shingate's coach, Rajesh Padave, revealed the discipline that allowed her to return to the top after a setback. Recalling the Hangzhou Games, Padave noted that Shingate made the difficult decision to sit out rather than compete while unfit.
"Just before the Asian Games in China last time, Sonali suffered an injury," Padave recalled. "I told her that the injury isn't a major issue and she can still go and play. She replied, 'I won't be able to give 100%. It would be better for me to just come back home.' ... She said, 'Sir, I will work hard and play in the next Asian Games.' She worked incredibly hard, made it back into the Indian team, and is now returning with a gold medal."
Clutch performance in the final
The final against Iran was a high-stakes encounter that tested India's resilience. The Iranian side pushed the Indian squad to their limits, but the Indian defense remained composed during the most critical moments. With only one minute left on the clock, the Indian defenders executed a vital tackle on Aynaz, effectively stifling Iran's hopes of a late comeback and securing India's third gold medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
A call for a Women's Pro Kabaddi League
Beyond the celebration, Shingate used her platform to advocate for the future of the sport. She highlighted the need for more professional opportunities for female athletes, suggesting a league modeled after the successful men's Pro Kabaddi League.
Shingate's vision for the sport includes:
- Increased Professionalism: A dedicated league would raise the standard of play.
- Talent Discovery: More opportunities for grassroots players to shine.
- Financial Security: Providing players with much-needed financial support through franchises.
- Greater Visibility: Increasing the "glamour" and public interest in women's kabaddi.
"I would like to tell the government that they are already supporting Kabaddi at an international level. If there is a Pro Kabaddi League like tournament in our country, it would be very good for women's players," she urged. "Let's start a women's Kabaddi league as soon as possible."