Shalina edged past Bhanu of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Haryana, with a 2-1 victory in her final group bout to claim the medal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Siddi community, believed to have African roots, arrived in India centuries ago and has since become an integral part of the country\u2019s social fabric. Many Siddis are recognised as Scheduled Tribes in several states. Against this backdrop, Shalina\u2019s success stands out not just as a sporting accomplishment but as a testament to the opportunities provided by initiatives like Khelo India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have participated in the Khelo India Youth Games. But this is my first Khelo India University Games. I had come with a lot of hope. I knew I would win a medal, though I was not sure what colour it would be. I am very happy to win the medal,\u201d she said, sitting beside Ismail, who heads the Karnatak University contingent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her journey to the podium was far from easy. The team endured a three-day train journey to reach Rajasthan\u2014a trip she described as challenging. \u201cWe came here by train, which took us three days. So, the journey was really arduous. But now that I have won, all that doesn\u2019t matter. I would say it was worth all the effort,\u201d said the wrestler, who has been training in the sport for a decade.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shalina\u2019s rise also brings attention to the social hurdles that athletes from marginalised communities often confront. While discrimination based on skin colour persists in many parts of India, Shalina said her personal experience has been different. \u201cI live in Dharwad and I have grown up with local kids. I will be very honest, I have not had any such experiences,\u201d she said. \u201cIn fact, I get respected a lot because of my sporting background. People see me as an achiever. My sister is also a police woman in Bangalore.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her journey to the podium was far from easy. The team endured a three-day train journey to reach Rajasthan\u2014a trip she described as challenging. \u201cWe came here by train, which took us three days. So, the journey was really arduous. But now that I have won, all that doesn\u2019t matter. I would say it was worth all the effort,\u201d said the wrestler, who has been training in the sport for a decade.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With her bronze medal, Shalina not only adds to her growing list of achievements\u2014having already won bronze at an All-India University competition earlier this year- but also strengthens the message of inclusivity that the Khelo India platform aims to amplify.<\/p>\r\n\r\n