Snehal Shinde

Last Updated: October 27, 2023

Snehal Shinde is a kabaddi champion with a remarkable journey from a young enthusiast to a gold medalist at the Asian Games 2022. She hails from Pune, India, and her sporting prowess is deeply rooted in her family’s legacy of excellence, with her father, Pradeep Shinde, being a national-medalist in boxing.

Path to Kabaddi Stardom: Snehal’s kabaddi journey began at the tender age of seven when she joined a kabaddi club in Swargate. Under the dedicated guidance of coaches Rajesh Dhamdhere and Jayant Warghade at the Rajmata Jijau Club, she honed her skills and worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams.

Overcoming Adversity: Snehal faced significant setbacks in her journey, missing out on two Asian Games due to injuries. However, her family’s unyielding support, particularly her husband’s commitment to driving her to practice and waiting for her, played a pivotal role in her resurgence.

Achievements: Snehal’s dedication and hard work paid off with impressive accolades, including gold medals at the Junior Asian Championship in Malaysia in 2009 and the South Asian Games in Assam in 2017. She also received the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award in 2014.

Asian Games Triumph: The pinnacle of Snehal’s career came in 2022 when she not only participated in the Asian Games but was a crucial part of the Indian Women’s kabaddi team that brought home the gold medal. Her dream of representing her country at the Asian Games was realized, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Love for Chicken Biryani: Throughout her rigorous training and disciplined diet, Snehal’s love for chicken biryani remained unwavering. It was her favorite indulgence, and she looked forward to enjoying it to the fullest upon returning home.

Inspiration for the Future: Snehal’s story of determination and triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring kabaddi players, especially young children interested in the sport. She aspires to establish her sports academy in the future to nurture the dreams of emerging athletes.

Snehal Shinde’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, family support, and unwavering dedication. Her passion for kabaddi, coupled with her love for chicken biryani, encapsulates the spirit of a true sports champion.