Meet woman who participated 6 times in national games, now runs fast food shop due to...

Indra, a national-level basketball player from Himachal Pradesh, has represented her state in six National Games. Currently, she runs a fast food shop in Nahan, Sirmaur district. Despite her athletic accomplishments, the sport she believed would change her life did not yield the expected results.

The six-time national basketball player, Indra, feels disheartened by the government's unfulfilled promises to provide jobs for athletes. With no employment opportunities available, she has turned to selling momos and chowmein to make a living.

She showcased her skills at the national level, participated in her first National Games at just 11 years old and has since competed in basketball tournaments in states including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Nagpur, and Chhattisgarh.

The former basketball player said that many of her fellow athletes have secured government jobs, while she has not been given the same opportunity. As a result, she has started a fast food shop in Nahan, Sirmaur, which she operates alongside her husband.

Indra emphasised the need for the government to provide jobs for players who compete at the national level, arguing that this would ensure their respect and motivate future generations. She believes that having stable employment enhances athletes' morale, and the absence of such support has forced her to seek alternative means of livelihood.

Despite the government's frequent claims of supporting exceptional athletes with job opportunities, many, including Indra, are still awaiting the fulfillment of these promises. This situation raises significant concerns regarding the sports policy in Himachal Pradesh and the level of support extended to its athletes.