Shabnam Naaz, a Class XI student, overcomes economic hardship to earn a place in the Junior Mixed Netball Nationals in Haryana after years of dedicated training and family support
AMBIKAPUR, Chhattisgarh — In the saga that speaks of quiet determination and the power of dreams, Shabnam Naaz, a young Muslim girl from a modest background in Ambikapur city in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district, has achieved national recognition in the Junior Mixed Netball Championship held in Haryana.
Shabnam, a student of Class 11, is the daughter of Nizam Khan, a humble cycle repairman. Despite his limited means, Nizam never let his daughter’s ambitions take a backseat. “I may not have money, but I always stood by her,” he said. “Her success is my pride.”
After practising tirelessly for nearly three years at the Gandhi Stadium, often rising before dawn to train from 6 to 8 am,
Shabnam has now represented her state on a national platform — a first for her and her family. She played her debut match in the Haryana championship this week.
Shabnam credits her journey to the constant support of her family, especially her father, and her coach. “Whatever I am today, it’s because of my father’s hard work, my coach’s training, and my family’s prayers,” she said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have reached this far.”
This success did not come overnight. Shabnam has gradually built her career through consistent performance, winning matches in cities like Bilaspur and Raipur. Her dedication to balancing her studies with rigorous sports training has made her a role model in her community.
Her teammates admire her discipline and commitment. “She never misses practice. Even during exams, she’s here on time,” said one of her fellow players. “She’s truly an inspiration.”
In a time when many young talents are lost due to a lack of resources and opportunity, Shabnam’s story stands as a testament to what can be achieved with persistence, passion, and the backing of a supportive family.
While many champions come from elite academies and privileged backgrounds, Shabnam emerges from the heart of India’s ignored class — children of daily wage earners, minorities, and the marginalised. Her triumph is not just personal; it’s a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere — it only needs recognition and encouragement.
As she looks ahead to future matches and dreams of representing India internationally, Shabnam remains grounded. “I want to keep playing, keep learning. I want to make my parents and my town proud,” she said with quiet confidence.
In a country where opportunities are too often tied to privilege and connections, Shabnam’s rise from the bylanes of Ambikapur to the national netball court is nothing short of remarkable.
