U Mumba recognizes the ‘Zid’ of 18 young mentors from Shivaji Nagar

 by Shrutee K/DNS

Amidst squeals of delight and laughter in meeting with their Kabaddi Heroes, 18 young women from NGO Apnalaya’s programs Parivartan and Khula Asmaan, received the U Mumba - ZID Award. The ZID award, presented for the first time today, awards and honours the efforts of community change makers in using sport as a tool for the empowerment for women living in economically challenging situations.

The 19 young awardees were recognized for over two years of persistence and commitment as mentors to young girls in Shivaji Nagar, using the sport of Kabaddi to empower them as well as equipping them with the skill of the sport to ensure that these young girls gain confidence and aren’t intimidated by their surroundings. The awarded mentors have also through the years, convinced parents to encourage their children to embrace the sport as well.

The awardees are part of the NGO Apnalaya’s sports-based programmes ‘Parivartan’ and ‘Khula Asmaan’ that focus on using sport, specifically Kabaddi, to instill confidence in the young girls and address violence against women. In addition to training sessions, the programme includes sessions bring attention to topics ranging from life skills and health, to gender and violence.

The program commenced in 2014, when a team of mentors were recruited to train over 100 girls to play Kabaddi, and had the opportunity to further enhance their training skills during a visit to a U Mumba training session in 2015 where they were personally guided through a session by Coach Bhaskaran, captain Anup Kumar and marquee player Shabeer Bapu. The programme is now in its second edition and is titled ‘Khula Asmaan’. It has 9 mentors and 150 young girls training under them.

Commenting on the award, Supratik Sen, CEO U Mumba shared, “We believe sport can trigger social change and have a positive impact on society. But being a change-maker isn’t an easy task and the path consists of multiple obstacles. The few who are successful in bringing about a positive change display a ‘ZID’ to achieve their goal of transformation. ‘ZID’ is a necessary ingredient, a value, to change minds and effect actions and we at U Mumba are humbled by the ZID of these young woman and believe that they are the best recipients of this honour”.

Coach Bhaskaran, added to Mr. Sen’s thoughts sharing, “Sport empowers and we are glad that these young girls have used Kabaddi to enable their societies. Through the years, communities have grown thanks to the skills that the sport provides them with and I am delighted that these young girls have enabled themselves and others around them with the sport. My team and I, will always follow these young women through this journey in admiration. We’re also extremely keen to help them in their training and oversee their development in the sport.”