In Sisai, Haryana, the Altius wrestling school stands as a beacon of empowerment, challenging societal norms in rural India. Usha Sharma, India's pioneering female wrestling coach, leads this transformative initiative, defying the undervaluation of women in their community.
Established in 2009 by Usha Sharma and her husband, Sanjay Sihag, this residential centre offers a haven and vital empowerment lessons to girls from modest backgrounds. These young wrestlers, aged between 8 and 22, pay a monthly fee of about 9,100 rupees ($109) for board and academic tuition. Meanwhile, the state government provides crucial funding for their training, fostering resilience and a profound sense of sisterhood among the students.
Beyond being a training ground, the school operates like a family. The girls share sleeping quarters, mattresses, and communal chores, working together to cook meals. Their daily routine begins with rigorous morning exercises and a strict training schedule encompassing various workouts and wrestling practice.
In their pursuit of wrestling excellence, almost all the students sport pageboy haircuts, a practical defence mechanism against opponents' hair-pulling tactics. Their Sundays, devoid of internet access, are dedicated to sharing an old mobile phone to connect with their families.
The school's success extends beyond the wrestling mat. Victories in competitions not only bring in prize money but also present potential pathways to government jobs. These triumphs symbolize progress and success for the girls. Former students have ventured into remarkable careers, achieving personal milestones and establishing a blueprint for change in their lives and the community at large.
The Altius wrestling school has become a testament to the transformative power of sport in breaking barriers and reshaping societal narratives, offering these young girls not just a platform to pursue wrestling but a beacon of hope for a better, more empowering future. Through determination, resilience, and dedicated mentorship, these girls are not just wrestlers; they are trailblazers on a transformative journey of empowerment and self-discovery.
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