S. Atchaya

Born on July 28, 2004, in the idyllic village of Kattakkudi, Thirvarur, S Atchaya, the left raider for the Palani Tuskers in the JSG Women's Yuva Kabaddi Series 2024, is a testament to the fact that passion knows no gender. Hailing from a humble background, Atchaya's journey is a celebration of her indomitable spirit and love for kabaddi. Her father, M. Sivakumar, toils as a farmer, while her mother, S. Kannagi, is the anchor of their household as a dedicated homemaker. Atchaya shares her home with her elder brother, Akash, who, despite not playing kabaddi, stands as a pillar of support in her pursuit of the sport. Atchaya's initiation into kabaddi occurred during the 8th standard when the boys in her village engaged in spirited matches. Fascinated by the game, she dove headfirst into the world of kabaddi, demonstrating that enthusiasm knows no gender boundaries. In the absence of a dedicated kabaddi coach, Udaykumar, the school's Physical Education teacher with a background in volleyball, took up the responsibility of introducing Atchaya and her peers to the nuances of kabaddi. Despite the unconventional coaching arrangement, Atchaya thrived under Udaykumar's guidance. The dusty grounds of the Kattakkudi Sports Club in Thiruvarur witnessed Atchaya's relentless practice sessions. Her favorite player, Aslam Inamdar, serves as a source of inspiration due to his exceptional bonus, dive, and kick skills, traits that Atchaya aspires to emulate. Atchaya's journey in kabaddi includes representations at various levels, from school to college, district, state, and nationals. A standout moment in her career was the 2024 Junior Nationals, where she contributed to her team's silver medal. However, her most cherished match dates back to the South Zone University competition in 2023. In that game, she went on a raiding spree, amassing an impressive 20 points. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration (BBA), Atchaya aspires to wear the Indian jersey and represent the country on the international stage. Simultaneously nurturing dreams of securing a stable job, she envisions a future where her love for kabaddi transcends personal milestones and contributes to the broader narrative of women's sports in India. As the Palani Tuskers' left raider, Atchaya stands as a symbol of determination, breaking stereotypes, and pursuing her passion with unwavering commitment.