R Soundarya Ramasamy

In the quaint town of Keeranur, Dindigul, where fields stretch as far as the eye can see, Soundarya R, the prolific right raider of the Palani Tuskers in the JSG Women's Yuva Kabaddi Series 2024, was born on September 22, 2000. Soundarya's story is one of grit, determination, and familial inspiration. Hailing from an agrarian family, Soundarya's father, Ramasamy, tills the land as a farmer, while her mother, Santhi, gracefully manages the household. The family bond extends to her siblings—Sathyapriya, an elder sister, and Suryaprakash, a younger brother, both of whom share Soundarya's enthusiasm for kabaddi. What sets the Soundarya siblings apart is their collective love for kabaddi. Sathyapriya, having achieved national-level recognition and currently employed with South Central Railway, and Suryaprakash, representing at the state level, form a formidable trio of kabaddi enthusiasts within the family. Soundarya's tryst with kabaddi began in the 9th standard at the age of 14. Influenced by her sister's prowess in the sport, she embarked on a journey that initially lacked parental support. Over time, her relentless dedication and growing success have turned her parents into her most ardent supporters. As a right raider, Soundarya's best skill lies in executing precise bonuses, a move that she has mastered to perfection. Under the mentorship of coach Selvakumar—an accomplished university player with a decade of coaching experience—Soundarya hones her skills at the Shanmugam Memorial Venilla Kabaddi Club in Oddanchatram, Dindigul. While many players look up to renowned kabaddi stars, Soundarya's favorite player is none other than her sister, Sathyapriya. Beyond being a source of inspiration, Sathyapriya has been Soundarya's guide, imparting invaluable skills and knowledge. Soundarya's journey is marked by representations at various levels, including school, college, district, state, and nationals. Notable achievements include securing a bronze at the All India University Games in 2022 and clinching gold at the South Zone University competition in 2019. Outside the kabaddi arena, Soundarya showcased her prowess in triple jump, earning accolades at the state level in 2018. Currently pursuing a master's degree in M.A. Tamil, Soundarya aspires to don the Indian jersey and play for the national team. One of her career highlights includes a standout performance in the 2019 Junior Nationals pre-quarter match against Delhi, where she exhibited her all-around skills, scoring both in raid (10 points) and tackle (5 points). As Soundarya R continues to dazzle with her bonus skills and unwavering spirit, she represents not only the Palani Tuskers but also the aspirations of small-town athletes dreaming big. With a heart of gold and a commitment to excellence, Soundarya is poised to script more success stories on the kabaddi mat.