WHAT is usually known as the biggest dumping yard of Nagpur transformed into a sporting venue as women from Bhandewadi locality participated in a unique fitness and sports competition aimed at promoting health, safety, hygiene and active living with enthusiasm. The makeshift ground at the Bhandewadi dumping yard came alive with cheers, laughter and spirited competition as women, dressed in sarees and salwar kurtas, showcased their athletic abilities in a series of friendly encounters. They competed with determination, displayed teamwork and proved that the spirit of sports can flourish anywhere when given opportunity. The competition marked the successful conclusion of the five-day ‘Chalo Fit Rahe, Aage Bade’ women’s community fitness programme which was organised by Krida Vikas Sanstha (Slum Soccer). Slum Soccer’s initiative was aimed at encouraging women to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity while creating an inclusive space where they could enjoy sports beyond their everyday responsibilities. After four days of gruelling training, a total of 36 women reached the final day of the contest. They were divided into four teams of nine members each. The teams carried names that reflected the values of women’s empowerment and unity —Ek Nari Sab Par Bhari, Maa Hai To Duniya Hai, Super Mummy, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. The competition tested women’s speed, endurance, co-ordination and teamwork. Participants took part in bucket relay race, zigzag race, kettlebell race, medicine ball relay and 500-metre relay race.

 

The women folks fought out hard in every event which witnessed intense competition as they pushed themselves to give their best, encouraging one another at every stage with an ultimate aim of emerging at the top. The event highlighted not just physical fitness but also the confidence and resilience of women who embraced the opportunity to participate in organised sports. At the end of the competition, Team ‘Ek Nari Sab Par Bhari’ was declared as the overall champions and earned applause from spectators and guests. The winning team was felicitated during the closing ceremony, while all participants received gifts in appreciation of their enthusiasm, commitment and sporting spirit. The closing ceremony was attended by Prof Vijay Barse, Founder of Slum Soccer and Corporator Shubham Motghare, who congratulated the participants for their remarkable energy and dedication. Addressing the gathering, Prof Barse praised the women for taking part in the event with with such enthusiasm and emphasised the importance of making physical activity a regular part of their daily life. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, he announced that similar community fitness initiatives would be extended to other localities, enabling more women to benefit from sports-based wellness programmes. The ‘healthy competition’ also provided an opportunity for the community to raise their demands.

 

During the interaction with guests, several women participants highlighted the absence of a playground for children in the area to which Corporator Shubham Motghare assured that he would make efforts to address the issue and explore possibilities for creating recreational facilities for children. Over the course of five days, the event offered women a welcome break and helped them rediscover the joy of sports, build self-confidence and strengthen bonds within other women of the locality. By combining fitness with community engagement, Slum Soccer’s initiative demonstrated how sports can empower individuals, promote healthier lifestyles and inspire lasting social change even in the most unlikely of settings.