Bharatpur: The Khelo India Games are known for their inclusivity. Another example that highlights Khelo India’s commitment to this is Shalina Sayer Siddhi of Siddi Community, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg freestyle wrestling event at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 here at Lohagarh Stadium on Friday.
Shalina of Karnataka University, Dharwad defeated Bhanu of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Haryana, 2-1 in their final group match to win bronze.
For the uninitiated, the Siddis have African origins and came to India by sea several centuries ago. They have lived here ever since and are now as Indian as anyone else, fully acculturated. The Siddis are considered a backward class and fall under the “scheduled tribes” category in many states.
Of course, Shalina’s performance is commendable because it rises above the mundane. But she couldn’t have done it without the Khelo India platform, which gave athletes like her the opportunity to excel. “I participated in the Khelo India Youth Games. But these are my first Khelo India University Games. I had come with a lot of hope. I knew I would win a medal even though I wasn’t sure what color it would be. I am very happy to win the medal,” she said, accompanied by Ismail, the man leading the Karnatak University contingent.
This was no ordinary success. Athletes make many sacrifices and sometimes face insurmountable hurdles to achieve their dream. “We came here by train and it took us three days. So the journey was really arduous. But now that I won, none of that matters anymore. I would say the effort was worth it,” said Shalina, who started wrestling 10 years ago, with a smile.
India is by no means an ideal society. Discrimination based on skin color is still a reality in many parts of the country. When asked, Shalina surprisingly insisted that she did not face such problems. “I live in Dharwad and grew up with local children. I will be honest, I have never had such experiences,” said Shalina, who also won bronze at an event organized by the All-India University in Punjab earlier this year.
“In fact, I am very respected because of my sports background. People see me as an achiever. My sister is also a police officer in Bangalore,” she added.
During the interview, Shalina also introduced Pro Kabaddi League player Sushil Motesh Kambrekar of Bengal Warriors, who also hails from the same community. “Siddis is doing well. He is a great inspiration to the entire community. I have never met him but I hope to make a name for myself like him and make everyone proud,” she said.
