Two Vidarbha women power India’s gold surge in Asian Games
India overwhelmed Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final of the Asian Games. The Dadwe-coached team won the gold, though, by a thinner 37-34 margin against Iran. The women’s kabaddi team followed suit.
What makes it even more special is that within just 10–11 days, I got to play two finals and become a champion twice — first winning the Asia Cup and now the Asian Games gold medal.
So, it has been an incredible few days for me and the team,” Fulmali told TOI. We will cherish the moment forever,” said Dadwe, an Arjuna Award winner. Dadwe, a former Nagpur player who represented Maratha Lancers for years, said the team was confident of retaining the gold. But our girls were up for the task,” Dadwe said. Obviously, I would have liked to contribute more individually, but I’m taking the experience positively,” Fulmali said.
Two women from Vidarbha — one a player, another a coach — played pivotal roles in India clinching gold medals in two events of the Asian Games in Japan. Vidarbha batter Bharti Fulmali was part of the Indian women’s team that emerged triumphant in Nisshin. Coach Neeta Dadwe guided the women’s kabaddi to a gold medal. “It feels really special and honestly a little overwhelming. Making my Asian Games debut and coming back with a gold medal is something I will always cherish. “Emotion ran high. Most of our players are young, so the experience was something new for them. Winning the gold medal was a proud moment. The entire team was in tears as the national song Vande Mataram was played in Japan. “The girls executed the plan perfectly. Being a do-or-die battle, the rivals played roughly and injured a couple of our players. Though the Indian women’s cricket team put up a commanding show at the Asian Games, Fulmali was a little off colour. “There were some nerves, it was my first Asian Games. Fulmali credited team members and support staff for the gold-winning effort. “The triumph was a result of the collective effort of the players, coaches and support staff. Everyone understood their role and supported each other throughout the tournament. To be part of that group and experience this achievement together was very special.”