A BEACON OF HOPE

Orphaned at a young age in Naxal-affected Kondagaon, Hembati Nag discovered judo and rose to national prominence with her extraordinary talent and determination, winning multiple medals and aiming for Olympic glory

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

In a world where many children face unimaginable challenges, 15-year-old Hembati Nag’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit. “I lost my parents when I was young,” she recalls, her eyes reflecting both pain and determination. Raised in an orphanage in the heart of Naxal-affected Kondagaon in Chhattisgarh, Hembati’s early years were marked by tragedy and hardship.

Hembati’s introduction to judo came serendipitously in 2021. Captivated by the older kids practising the sport, her curiosity soon led her to the mat. Recognising her exceptional talent, the ITBP 41st Battalion stepped in to fund her training. Her journey in judo began in earnest, marked by relentless hard work and an unyielding spirit.

Hembati lost her father in a tragic accident and her mother to illness within a few months. The responsibility of caring for Hembati and her siblings fell on their elderly grandmother. Recognising the challenges, Hembati was admitted to an orphanage at the State Child Welfare Council CCI Kondagaon. There, Mani Sharma became a guiding light, nurturing Hembati with love and care.

At the orphanage, girls, especially those orphaned, were encouraged to engage in powerful sports like judo and karate to build self-esteem and strength. Inspired by the judo players she watched, Hembati found her calling and began training at the age of 11. Her prowess and potential were soon recognised by the experienced coaches at the ITBP training centre, who provided her with the opportunity to train under their guidance. Mentors Uday Singh Yadav and Narayan Soren played a pivotal role in honing her skills, leading her to a series of victories.