Farmer’s daughter shines in Kazakhstan
ALLAHABAD : Her journey from a small village of Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh to Kazakhstan Open Taekwando Championship was not easy. But she created history against all odds.
Meet 17-year-old Arti Singh, a farmer’s daughter, who won bronze for India in her maiden international championship. This is the second medal for UP and Allahabad alike as the first was bagged by Shreya Singh in Jakarta in 2013.
Arti was the only player from UP to get selected in the 10-member squad of Junior India Women Taekwondo Team to participate in the takewondo championship held in Kazakhstan.
“It all began seven years ago when Arti was 10-year-old and her brother said that he wanted Arti to learn self-defense. I enrolled her and started teaching her martial art skills.”
“Initially, I thought she would be like any other normal girls. But, her passion for the art drew my attention and I started focusing on her,” recalled Arti’s coach Ranjeet Yadav while talking to Hindustan Times at Madan Mohan Malaviya stadium.
“What impressed me was her commitment to chase her dream despite coming from a financially weak family. According to Yadav, only two girls including Arti and a Delhi girl were able to secure medals in the championship.
Arti, who is four-time national medallist, presently lives at a rented room with her brother and sister at Sulemsarai locality in Allahabad and covers a distance of around 6kms daily to attend training sessions at the stadium. She is an undergraduate student.
“We are really proud of her. She has once again proved that girls can do wonders if given opportunities,” said Arti’s father Ghanshyam and mother Shakuntala.
“It’s our wish that she should participate in more and more international level championships and win medals for India,” they added.
Arti lost to Kazakhstan player in the semi-final by 6-4 points under 42 weight category.
“My achievements are due to my coach and parents who have taken lots of pain to help me chase my dream. I am really grateful to them,” said an overwhelmed Arti, who is a black belt in taekwondo.
Preparing now for Asian Games, Arti said, “I will work even harder to secure gold in the upcoming Asian Games.”
MEET 17YEAROLD ARTI SINGH, A FARMER’S DAUGHTER, WHO WON BRONZE FOR INDIA IN HER MAIDEN INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP