Sanju Devi has written her name into Chhattisgarh sporting history after helping India win the women’s kabaddi gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The 24-year-old raider from Kerakachhar village in Korba district played a key role in India’s 37-34 victory over Iran in the final, helping the defending champions secure their second consecutive Asian Games title and fourth overall gold in the women’s event.
Following her return, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai felicitated Sanju at CM Niwas in Raipur and announced a cash reward of ₹51 lakh.
From a Small Village to Asian Games Glory
Sanju’s journey to the international stage began far from elite training centres. She grew up in a farming family that depended heavily on daily-wage work and first started playing kabaddi in Class 5 at a government school.
What began as a casual activity soon turned serious. With limited sporting infrastructure in her village, Sanju regularly travelled between Kerakachhar and Korba for training, often spending several hours commuting each day.
Her talent was eventually noticed by Korba District Kabaddi Association secretary Anuj Pratap Singh, who supported her development with coaching and accommodation.
At one stage, financial problems nearly prevented her from travelling for an international tournament, but assistance from her coach helped her continue her career.
Sanju Becomes India’s X-Factor
Sanju gradually established herself as one of India’s most dangerous raiders. Standing at around 5-foot-10, she uses her reach and physical strength to win touch points and break through defensive tackles.
Former India captain and current deputy coach Mamtha Poojari has described Sanju as an “X-factor” player capable of changing a match quickly. “She is a player who can turn a match around at any moment. She plays a high-risk game, and whenever raiding becomes tough with five defenders on the mat, we send her in and she brings back points, almost always,” Poojari said.
That quality was on display in the Asian Games final against Iran. With the contest finely balanced late in the match, Sanju was repeatedly trusted with difficult raids and returned with crucial points to keep India ahead.
India eventually won 37-34 and retained the gold medal.
Comeback After Shoulder Surgery
Sanju’s road to the Asian Games was not straightforward. Earlier in the year, she underwent surgery on her right shoulder, raising concerns about her availability for the tournament.
Her recovery and return to full fitness became a major part of India’s preparations, and her performance in Japan justified the faith placed in her.
She had also built momentum through strong performances in previous international competitions, including the 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup and the Asian Kabaddi Championship.
Chhattisgarh Government Announces ₹51 Lakh Reward
After Sanju’s return home, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai honoured her with a shawl and bouquet at CM Niwas. He also announced a ₹51 lakh cash incentive in recognition of her achievement.
The Chief Minister praised her journey and highlighted the importance of supporting sporting talent from rural areas.
“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.”
Sanju’s success now stands as an example for young athletes across Chhattisgarh, showing how determination, coaching support and opportunity can take a player from a small village to the top of the Asian Games podium.
