The Kerketa story, from Chak de India to Khelo India
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 4 (ANI): 'Chak De India', released in 2007 under the banner of Yash Raj Films, is one of India's classic films based on hockey or sports. In that film, Nisha Nair played the role of Soimoi Kerketa, who appeared on the film screen as a player from Jharkhand. That film influenced many girls from Simdega, considered to be the nursery of hockey in Jharkhand, some of whom are real-life Kerketa's.
Rajni Kerketa (Junior) hails from Bariatu near Ranchi and is participating in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. 14-year-old Rajni is very excited about it as she does not know much about the Khelo India Youth Games and the facilities available there.
On the other hand, Rajni Kerketa (Senior) lives in Eklavya and has reached Gwalior for her fifth Khelo India. She has played in Khelo India Youth Games four times from 2018 to 2021. Rajni said, "This is my fifth Khelo India. I am from Simdega and my father is a farmer. I have a brother, he helps my father in farming."
Rajni said that she started playing when she was in fourth standard and joined Ranchi Excellency Academy in 2022, which players colloquially call Eklavya Academy. Rajni said that her father is the main source of inspiration for her to play hockey. Rajni also said that she considers Rani Rampal, the captain of the Indian women's hockey team as her role model.
Regarding Khelo India Youth Games, Rajni said that it is a useful platform for new players, where competitions are held within the system of international standards. Rajni said, "This is my fifth Khelo India Youth Games. I have seen a change in it every time. A lot has changed in the journey from Delhi to Panchkula. Players get exposure through this and they get to know each other well."
More than 6000 players are participating in 27 sports being held in 8 cities of Madhya Pradesh and one track cycling event in New Delhi. (ANI)
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