Chennaiite inspires young girls to dream big through kabaddi

However, I could not pursue any sport as I had to support my family and had to take up a job. Later, when I started an evening-hours tuition centre, Manna Institute, in Chennai for students from kindergarten up to class 12, I decided I had to create opportunities for kids to be able to play sports and represent themselves at state and national level competitions,” says Michael, 34.

At his institute set up along with his sister, he has been training young girls in kabaddi since 2016. “Through our tuition centre, we provide free coaching for girls in kabaddi, along with accommodation and education, at no cost — making this the first such initiative in Chennai. Since I am not professionally trained, I have appointed coaches who give the best of training to the girls, and have helped them get selected at state level competitions. I want the girls to be able to pursue sports, and even get reputable jobs in the government through their sport skills,” he elaborates. So far, Michael has helped over 70 girl students learn and play kabaddi at various tournaments, and has about 30 students who he is currently working with. Every morning by 4 am, these girls are up and running at a public ground close to the institute, trying to ace their kabaddi techniques.

The institute will soon be holding selections for more girl students to receive training and education, he informs. “In the near future, we plan to train the girls in kho kho as well. My aim is to have the students represent our state in national tournaments,” says Michael, lamenting that there is no focus on sports in most schools across the state. “I believe that sports are just as important as education for the mental wellbeing of a student. There are many children around us who want to pursue sports, but don’t get to because their parents don’t want them to. When it comes to girls pursuing sports, the awareness is even less,” he remarks.

For his students, Michael’s an inspiration and a guide they’ve not had before. One of the players, 19-year-old Christina Debora, says she has dedicated herself to the game. “We all love playing kabaddi and all the girls are like friends, who help each other out in learning the sport better. My aim is to get a good government job through sports quota just as Michael sir expects us to,” says Christina, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in commerce in the city. Michael, who hopes to train more girls, says he is in need of support to fund more workout materials like shoes and clothing.