Agra: Uttar Pradesh policewoman Anita Yadav, now in Northern Ireland for the World Police and Fire Games, has won numerous medals and laurels over the past 15 years. But she is largely ignored.
The Northern Ireland games are a biennial event consisting of individual and team sports. She will take part in the 200 metres flat and long jump events.
“I have won all the shields and honours in police games for Agra and Uttar Pradesh in the past 15 years. But no one is proud of me,” she laments. The 38-year-old Anita has remained a constable ever since she joined Uttar Pradesh Police 15 years ago.
At the Malaysian International Open Masters Athletics Championship four years ago, Anita won the best woman athlete award. She touched 5m 40cm in long jump, winning a gold. She clinched a gold in javelin throw and a bronze in the medley relay race.
As a constable posted in Mathura, 135km south of New Delhi, she finds it hard to juggle her duties with sports.
“I manage because my husband Shanti Swarup, who is also in the police, takes care of my daughter and son. He has never let me feel burdened with domestic chores and has been a great source of encouragement,” Anita said before leaving for Belfast.
“Even with 80-odd medals, I have no future in sports. They (authorities) give me nothing extra, no facilities, no allowances.
A postgraduate in sociology from Jeevaji University in Gwalior, Anita is totally devoted to sports. She has won medals not only in athletics but also in judo, table tennis and weightlifting.
What is the secret behind her success?
“I win medals because I am fit and practise regularly, come what may,” Anita said.
IANS
