This is the story of how Khelo Rugby supported Soniya to overcome poverty, family hardship, and pressure to leave school, helping her stay in education, grow in confidence, become a leader, and build a more hopeful future for herself and her community.
Soniya Kumari grew up in a remote rural community in Jharkhand, India, where opportunities for girls were scarce and expectations were rigid. From an early age, her life was shaped by economic insecurity and social pressure. Her father, frequently unwell, was forced to travel to another state for work to support the family, leaving Soniya and her household in a vulnerable position both financially and emotionally.
Like many girls in her community, Soniya faced the looming prospect of early marriage. Education was not seen as a priority for girls, and she was under constant pressure to leave school – either to marry or to move away from home to take up work. Her future seemed predetermined by poverty and tradition rather than shaped by her own potential.
When Soniya first joined our local partner Khelo Rugby at the age of 10, she was carrying the weight of these challenges.
Khelo became a lifeline for Soniya. Through the project, she found not just rugby but a community of support that believed in her. Coaches and peers empowered her to stay in school and helped her build the confidence to challenge expectations placed upon her.
With their backing, Soniya became the first in her family to pass Class 10 and Class 12 examinations and go on to attend college; an extraordinary achievement given her circumstances. Through her dedication and the support of Khelo, she was able to demonstrate to her family that education could bring real, tangible benefits, not just for her but for the entire household.
Over the years, the change in Soniya has been profound. She has grown from a young girl facing uncertainty into a confident leader within her community. Her involvement in Khelo Rugby has helped her develop discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth.
She has learned to advocate for herself, engaging in open conversations with her parents about how continuing her education will ultimately allow her to better support them in the future. She has also become a source of inspiration for other girls, speaking with and encouraging them to stay in school and see the alternative paths in life beyond early marriage or low-paid labour.
Today, Soniya stands on the brink of opportunities that once seemed unimaginable. With her education and the skills she has gained through Khelo Rugby, she now has the chance to pursue a career in the organised sector – something that would have been out of reach without the project’s intervention.
Looking ahead, Soniya hopes to continue playing rugby, graduate from college, and secure a good job. Her aspirations are not just for herself but for her community, as she aims to be a living example of how education and empowerment can break cycles of poverty and limitation.
Through Khelo Rugby, Soniya’s story has transformed from one of hardship and restrictive tradition into one of resilience, empowerment, and hope.
