Indian Sporting Moms Shine at Asian Games 2023

Several Indian mothers are defying stereotypes by making their comeback in competitive sports after giving birth. Notable among them are legendary boxer Mary Kom and tennis star Sania Mirza, but there are more inspiring stories to explore. Here’s a glimpse of Indian mothers who will be competing at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, starting on September 23.

Dipika Pallikal, a squash icon, achieved numerous accolades for India. After giving birth to twin boys in 2021, she made a remarkable return to the squash court, even winning a mixed doubles bronze at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Hangzhou Asian Games may mark her final competitive appearance.

Koneru Humpy, a chess Grandmaster, took a maternity break in 2017 and came back stronger, becoming the women’s World Rapid champion in 2019. She’ll be competing in both singles and team events in Hangzhou.

Harika Dronavalli, another Indian chess Grandmaster, played a critical role in the Chess Olympiad while nine months pregnant. She later welcomed her daughter and is now aiming for an Asian Games medal, having won bronze in 2010.

Manpreet Kaur, a shot put athlete, returned to the sport after a three-year hiatus due to marriage and motherhood. Despite a doping ban, she made a triumphant comeback and became the first Indian woman to surpass 18 meters in shot put.

These remarkable women exemplify dedication, resilience, and the ability to excel in both motherhood and sports. Their participation in the Asian Games 2023 adds to their inspiring journeys as “Indian Sporting Moms Shine at Asian Games 2023.”

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Deccan Herrald