TNR Desk
DHARAMSHALA: In a moment of pride for Himachal Pradesh, state resident Ritu Negi, hailing from Shirog in the Shillai Assembly constituency of Sirmaur district, has been chosen for the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Ritu, the captain of the Indian women’s kabaddi team, has brought laurels to Himachal Pradesh following her achievements on the international stage, notably securing a gold medal for India in the Asian Games held in China.
The announcement of the Arjuna Award by the Sports Ministry on Wednesday has ignited a wave of happiness in Sirmaur. Ritu Negi’s exceptional leadership led the Indian women’s kabaddi team to historic success in China, clinching the gold medal and elevating India’s stature in the global arena.
Talking to the media, Ritu Negi described the Arjuna Award as a dream come true for every athlete. She emphasised the dedication and effort that every player should invest in their respective sports.
Ritu Negi, currently at her maternal home in Shirog village, shared the joyous news with her family, highlighting their collective happiness at this prestigious recognition. The National Sports Awards ceremony, where Ritu will be honoured, is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on January 9, 2024.
Ritu Negi’s illustrious kabaddi career includes multiple gold medals in various national and international competitions. Under her leadership, India secured gold in the Senior National Women’s Kabaddi Championship in 2008 and the Junior Women’s Games in the Asian Games 2011. She continued her winning streak with gold medals in subsequent years, including the Senior National Women Kabaddi events in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Ritu faced the disappointment of a silver medal while playing as a raider in the Asian Games at Jakarta in 2018. However, she quickly bounced back as a crucial member of the gold-winning team at the Asian Games in Nepal in 2019.
Having received kabaddi training at the Sai Sports Hostel in Bilaspur, Ritu Negi is currently employed in the Railways. The Arjuna Award serves as a testament to Ritu Negi’s outstanding contributions to Indian kabaddi, solidifying her status as a sporting icon.
