Pushpa Rana

**Pushpa Rana: Forging a Kabaddi Legacy** In the dynamic realm of the JSG Women's Yuva Kabaddi Series 2024, Pushpa Rana, born on January 11, 1998, in Milah, Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh, stands as a stalwart representative of the Himalayan Tahrs. Hailing from an academically inclined family, where her father, Jaipal, serves as a teacher, and with the support of her mother, Srimathi Champadevi, Pushpa's kabaddi journey commenced in 2014. Motivated by tales of international players Priyanka Negi and Ritu Negi, Pushpa embraced the sport, laying the foundation for a future national-level player. Her father and brother, Sanjeev, both seasoned in kabaddi, provided early coaching, shaping her skills from her formative years. As a versatile Right Raider, Pushpa's proficiency lies in securing Bonus points and executing the Handtouch with finesse. Her coaching journey includes guidance from her father, Jaipal, as well as mentors like Indrathakur, Gyarsingh Negi, Meher Singh Burma, and her current coaches, Pankaj Sharma and Satvir Kaur, at SAI in Dharamshala. Balancing sports and academics, Pushpa is pursuing a degree in History, aspiring to deepen her knowledge with a Master's degree. Her accolades span victories at the school, college, district, state, and national levels, with a significant highlight being the Asian Games in 2023, where she played a pivotal role in a nail-biting final against Chinese Taipei, securing victory by a single point. Beyond kabaddi, Pushpa actively engages in volleyball, handball, and football for recreation. Looking forward, she harbors the dream of clinching the esteemed Arjuna Award, a testament to her dedication, skill, and contributions to the sport. Pushpa Rana's journey epitomizes determination, skill, and a commitment to leaving an indelible mark on the world of kabaddi.