Meet Ayesha Khan: A Karate Champion From Slums of Kolkata Who Will Represent India In Thailand
What a truly inspirational tale
There are many inspirational stories, but none more compelling and heartening than this. A 21-year-old girl, Ayesha Noor, karate champion from slums of Kolkata will represent India at International sports meet in Thailand.
Her journey has been anything but easy. Ayesha, has been suffering from epileptic seizures since birth. She lost her father in 2010 and her mother Shakila Begum sews clothes at home.
It was Ayesha's coach MA Ali, who took her under his wing from the slums of Beniakupur, Kolkata and groomed her into a karate champion.
But she is not your usual karate kid, so to say. Ayesha has won gold thrice representing India, first time in Mumbai in 2010 and twice in Bangkok in 2013 and 2015.
At such a young age she is already a big influence. In 2017, the United States of Amzerica honoured Ayesha Noor as ¡°Hero of Gender Equality¡± at American Centre in New Delhi.
Not just that, her life story has also made it into a documentary, that traces her journey from the slums in Kolkata to winning gold at the international level despite her health condition called, ¡°Girl connected." It was made by the International Television series (ITVS), was screened globally and telecast by Doordarshan (Delhi) too.
Recently the Times of India, honoured Ayesha as ¡®Times Women Heroes Award¡¯ on 7th June 2019.
Ayesha teaches nearly 100 girls from the slums self-defense for free because she has a mission of empowering girls. She wants to them fight against crimes against women, especially rape.
Ayesha and 4 of her pupils have now been selected to represent India at the international sports meet in Bangkok where Ayesha will be given the International sports award in the month of September.
Both Ayesha and her pupils are excited about the upcoming event but are sad they won¡¯t really be able to make it for lack of financial support. Despite her success, the state government has so far failed to provide any financial assistance. It has always been private donors and well-wishers who have helped her.
A promising career as this, it can't be let go to waste. There is a need to support youngsters like Ayesha who have the talent and ability to make it big in life.
