AI Generated Summary
- Her win is not just a personal triumph—it is a powerful message about resilience, determination, and the urgent need for systemic change in the world of sports.
- In a candid conversation, she highlighted the enduring gender disparities female athletes continue to face—ranging from skewed media coverage and unequal pay to limited representation in decision-making roles in sports federations.
- In a story that redefines perseverance and grit, Inspector Rajwinder Kaur of the Punjab Police has returned from Alabama, USA, with a gold medal from the prestigious World Police Games.
In a story that redefines perseverance and grit, Inspector Rajwinder Kaur of the Punjab Police has returned from Alabama, USA, with a gold medal from the prestigious World Police Games. Her win is not just a personal triumph—it is a powerful message about resilience, determination, and the urgent need for systemic change in the world of sports.
At 40, and barely a year after undergoing knee surgery, Rajwinder’s future in competitive athletics seemed uncertain. She was written off by many. But with quiet determination and relentless discipline, she made an extraordinary comeback. Training rigorously at the PAP Complex in Jalandhar, under the guidance of her husband and coach Kuljinder Singh, she rebuilt herself physically and mentally. That effort culminated last week in a golden moment on the global stage.
“Age, injury, doubt—I had to fight all of them,” she said. “But you are what you believe. I was down, not out.”
Beyond her sporting achievements, Rajwinder is emerging as a strong voice for women in sports. In a candid conversation, she highlighted the enduring gender disparities female athletes continue to face—ranging from skewed media coverage and unequal pay to limited representation in decision-making roles in sports federations.
“Representation may exist, but power rarely does,” she said. “We need more women in operational and executive roles to make real change happen.”
Drawing attention to the lone exception of PT Usha, who recently became the unopposed chief of the Indian Olympic Association, Rajwinder lamented the rarity of such female leadership in Indian sport. “We need more Ushas, not just figureheads but women in real positions of influence,” she added.
Rajwinder’s observations are not just theoretical—they are deeply personal. Despite winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, she was denied a promotion in the Punjab Police that others received. “It was heartbreaking,” she admitted. “Policies must be applied fairly. Merit should not be lost in selective promotions.”
The Inspector also pointed to societal pressures female athletes face, from sexist remarks and constant scrutiny to underrepresentation in media coverage. These factors not only affect visibility but also block access to vital sponsorships and funding. “Without media attention, it’s harder for women to find support. We are often judged more for our appearance than our performance.”
Despite these hurdles, Rajwinder remains hopeful. She believes that the growing visibility of female athletes from regions like Manipur—home to legends like MC Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu—shows how sports can inspire the next generation of girls.
“It all comes down to the sports culture of a place,” she said. “Give women the opportunity, and they will lead. Our success must inspire others. We need to lift each other up.”
Her message to young girls is simple but profound: “Success is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process. Never stop learning.”
In Rajwinder Kaur, the nation has not just found a champion judoka—but a champion for change.