Overcoming hardships through sports, Bargad girl Nirmalya Raut wants to play for India

Bargad is considered one of the most backward districts in Odisha, but the girls here have started dreaming and are working hard to fulfill their dreams. One of them is Nirmalya Raut, who won the rugby title in the women’s category at the Khelo India University Games 2022, organized for the first time in Uttar Pradesh, as a member of the team from KIIT University in Bhubaneswar.

Nirmalya’s father, Vasudev Raut, is a farmer. Besides her parents, she has a brother and a sister at home. Her father sent her to Bhubaneswar for education, and she not only focused on her studies but also took up sports. It is because of this that she has earned a name for herself today.

The 18-year-old Nirmalya scored the highest 10 points in a 56-0 victory for her team in the final match held at Guru Govind Singh Sports College Ground against Mumbai University in the Khelo India University Games.

Nirmalya, participating for the first time in the Khelo India University Games, said, “I really enjoyed playing in the Khelo India University Games. It was my first time. I also participated in the national tournaments, but I enjoyed the Khelo India Games more. The arrangements are good here there and the games are also well organized. I want to play rugby for India and win medals in the Asian Games. I am working hard for that. My next goal is to make a place in the Indian team.”