Hailing from Abohar, farm labourer’s daughter clocks her best at U‑20 Federation Cup, eyes Asian and CW Games
28 April, 2026 – Jalandhar : For the first time in her life, 19-year-old Maya laced up a pair of professional spike shoes. As she stepped onto the track at the U-20 Federation Cup on Saturday, it was more than just a race — it carried the weight of years of struggle, sacrifice and hope.
“My mother sold whatever little gold she had so that I could run in proper shoes,” Maya said, her voice choking with emotion.
Hailing from Sitto Gunno village in Abohar, Maya’s journey to competitive athletics has been fraught with hardships. Born into a family of farm labourers, she grew up in extreme poverty with six sisters and a brother.
Education was a distant dream — none of her siblings went to school, and the family lived for years in a single room provided at the fields where her father worked.
“I only started going to school when I was 10, after my father managed to build a small house for us,” she recalled.
That brief stability, however, did not last. Three years ago, Maya had to drop out of school for a year after her father and brother fell ill. To support the family, she began working in the fields.
“I still remember those days…working in the fields instead of studying or training,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.
Despite the setbacks, Maya discovered her talent for athletics during her school years. Her hard work paid off and she won two silver medals at a national relay event in Chandigarh.
At the Federation Cup in Bengaluru, she gave her best in her 400 m race.
Maya trains in Jalandhar under coach Sarabjit Singh Happy, whom she credits for standing by her through thick and thin. “He has supported me a lot,” she said. Sarabjit Happy said Maya is the most sincere athlete. “I have been trying to help her since she came in contact with me, she is a promising athlete,” he said.
Growing up without proper nutrition remains one of her biggest challenges. Drawing a parallel with her farming roots, she said. “Just like a good crop needs proper fertiliser, an athlete needs good food. I hardly had that,” she explained, offering a glimpse into the silent battles she has fought.
Yet, through every hardship, one constant source of strength remains, her father’s unwavering belief. “He always tells me he is with me no matter what. That gives me strength,” she said, breaking down once again.
Today, Maya runs not just for medals, but for a dream, to lift her family out of the struggles. “I want to compete in the Asian Championships and the Commonwealth Games,” she said with determination. “I want to give my family a life they never had.”
The Tribune