Manju Rani, born on October 26, 1999, is a remarkable Indian athlete who has left an indelible mark in the fields of boxing and racewalking. Her journey is not just a story of athletic prowess but also a testament to the unwavering support of her father, Jagdish Ram, who sacrificed much to see his daughter succeed.
Manju Rani Parents
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Manju Rani’s parents played pivotal roles in shaping her remarkable journey as an athlete. Her father, Jagdish Ram, was a dedicated Border Security Force officer who battled cancer but continued to support his daughter’s dreams, even taking loans to ensure her training needs were met.
Tragically, Manju lost her mother at a young age, leaving her and her brother under the nurturing care of her grandmother. Despite the adversity, her parents’ love and her father’s unwavering belief in her talent have been the driving forces behind Manju Rani’s inspiring success in both boxing and racewalking.
Early Life and Inspirations
Hailing from the quaint village of Rithal Phogat in the Rohtak district of Haryana, Manju’s early life was marred by adversity. Her father, a dedicated Border Security Force officer, battled cancer and tragically passed away in 2010. Furthermore, Manju lost her mother at a tender age, leaving her and her older brother under the care of her loving grandmother.
Manju’s tryst with sports began when she started playing kabaddi. However, destiny had other plans for her. Guided by an astute coach, she made a pivotal shift to boxing. Her decision was partly fueled by the remarkable performance of Indian boxing legend MC Mary Kom, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
Triumphs in Boxing
Manju Rani’s journey in boxing has been marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In 2019, she etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by winning a silver medal at the AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships. Her prowess was further affirmed when she secured another silver medal at the prestigious Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament held in Bulgaria the same year.
Notably, Manju’s sterling performance in the 48 kg category at the Strandja Memorial Boxing Tournament left a lasting impression, even though she narrowly missed the gold, losing in the finals against Josie Gabuco of the Philippines. Her determination and indomitable spirit shone through in every bout.
The AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships witnessed Manju Rani’s mettle as she battled fiercely in the Light flyweight final, ultimately securing the silver medal, falling short only to Russia’s Ekaterina Paltceva. Her journey in boxing was marked by sheer grit and resilience.
The Path Less Traveled
In 2019, Manju took a significant step in her career by signing with the sports management firm Infinity Optimal Solutions (IOS), which would handle her endorsements and commercial interests. However, in a bold move in November 2020, she served a notice of termination of her contract with IOS Sports and Entertainment for not fulfilling the sponsorship deal. This decision showcased her determination to control her destiny in the world of sports.
A Father’s Unwavering Support
Behind every successful athlete, there is often an unwavering source of support, and for Manju Rani, that pillar of strength has always been her father, Jagdish Ram. Despite his limited understanding of her sports and the technological advancements that enabled him to follow her races, Jagdish’s faith in his daughter never wavered.
Even though he couldn’t comprehend the intricacies of race walking or boxing, Jagdish remained steadfast in his support. His simple yet profound encouragement to Manju was, “Just keep my head high and one day, stand on your own feet.” His sacrifices, including taking loans to fund her training and provide her with essential gear, are a testament to a father’s love and belief in his daughter’s potential.
Overcoming Adversity
Manju’s journey to success was fraught with challenges. Growing up in Khaira Khurd, a village in Punjab’s Mansa district, she faced skepticism and resistance from her community. Many doubted her decision to pursue sports, citing the village’s conservative mindset and skepticism toward female athletes.
However, it was Jagdish Ram who firmly stood by his daughter’s aspirations. He defied societal norms and supported her dreams, even in the face of criticism. His unwavering belief in Manju’s talent allowed her to overcome the obstacles that threatened to impede her journey to excellence.
A Steady Path to Success
Manju Rani’s senior career in race walking began in 2020, where she displayed remarkable progress. She placed tenth in the women’s 20km event at the Race Walking nationals and improved to sixth in the same competition a year later. Her dedication paid off as she secured a sports quota job with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) paramilitary, providing her with much-needed financial stability.
A Glimpse into the Future
Manju’s journey is far from over. With her first senior national gold and a national record in her kitty, she is poised for greater achievements. Although she doesn’t currently participate in the women’s 20km event, her sights are set on the 35km mixed team event.
As she looks forward to the future, Manju Rani harbors an aspiration that extends beyond athletic glory. She hopes to qualify for the Olympics and fulfill a heartfelt wish—taking her father, who has never traveled far from their village, to witness her compete on the world’s grandest stage.
