Sanju Devi Becomes First Woman from Chhattisgarh to Win Asian Games Kabaddi Gold

Chhattisgarh's Sanju Devi has etched her name in sports history by powering the Indian Women's Kabaddi team to a Gold Medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Hailing from Kerakachhar village in Korba district, she is the first woman kabaddi player from Chhattisgarh to achieve this milestone on the Asian stage.

Following the victory, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed Sanju at CM Niwas in Raipur, felicitated her with a shawl and floral bouquet, and announced a cash reward of ₹51 Lakh on behalf of the state government.

Player: Sanju Devi (Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Raider)

Hometown: Gram Kerakachhar, Korba District, Chhattisgarh

Achievement: Gold Medal, 2026 Asian Games (Women's Kabaddi)

Honor: First woman from Chhattisgarh to win Asian Games Kabaddi Gold

State Reward: ₹51 Lakh cash incentive by CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Final Score: India defeated Iran 37–34 in a thrilling finish

From Daily-Wage Roots to Asian Champion

Sanju's rise is a story of grit and perseverance:

• Early Days: Born into a humble farming family dependent on daily-wage labor, she took up kabaddi in Class 5 at a local government school.
• Daily Commute: With no sports infrastructure in her village, she travelled nearly three hours each day between Kerakachhar and Korba city for training.
• Coach Support: Korba District Kabaddi Association secretary Anuj Pratap Singh backed her talent with coaching and accommodation. When passport and travel costs threatened her first international opportunity, her coach helped arrange ₹5,000 to ensure she could compete.
• International Rise: Before the Asian Games, Sanju starred at the 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka (scoring 16 points in the final and winning Most Valuable Player) and the Senior Asian Kabaddi Championship in Iran.

Crucial Raid Points in Final Against Iran

In the intense Asian Games final against Iran, Sanju spearheaded India's attack. Securing critical touch points in the closing minutes under pressure, she helped India clinch a narrow 37–34 victory to seal the gold.

Congratulating Sanju, CM Vishnu Deo Sai shared: "When daughters from our rural villages achieve such honors for India, the entire state feels immense pride. The Chhattisgarh government is committed to providing every possible resource and encouragement to rural sports talent across the state."