Banani Shah, a pioneer in the world of kabaddi, hails from the culturally rich state of West Bengal, India. She has carved her name in history as the first woman to attain certification as a kabaddi coach from the esteemed National Institute of Sports (NIS).
At present, she serves as the coach of the Gujarat Fortune Giants kabaddi team in the Pro Kabaddi League, further cementing her pioneering role in the sport. Banani Shah’s journey is a testament to her dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of kabaddi. In this detailed profile, we explore her remarkable career, her tireless advocacy for women’s kabaddi, and her significant contributions to the sport.
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Kabaddi Journey of Banani Shah
- Player Turned Coach: Banani Shah’s tryst with Kabaddi began in the early 1990s when she embarked on her journey as a player. Representing West Bengal at the national level, she showcased her prowess on the kabaddi mat and was part of the Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the prestigious 1994 Asian Games.
- Transition to Coaching: Following her illustrious playing career, Shah transitioned into coaching. Her mission was clear: to nurture young girls and women in West Bengal and ignite a passion for kabaddi among them. Her coaching journey became a vehicle for popularizing the sport among women, setting the stage for a new era in Indian kabaddi.
- Historic Certification: In a watershed moment for women in kabaddi, Banani Shah achieved a historic milestone in 2017 by becoming the first woman to receive certification as a kabaddi coach from the National Institute of Sports (NIS). This achievement shattered traditional gender barriers in the sport and paved the way for more women to take up coaching roles.
Advocacy and Empowerment of Banani Shah
Banani Shah is not merely a coach; she is a passionate advocate for women’s kabaddi. She firmly believes that the sport has the potential to empower women and enable them to realize their full potential. Beyond the kabaddi arena, she champions the cause of education and has been actively involved in promoting kabaddi among school girls in West Bengal.
Coaching Achievements of Banani Shah
- Pro Kabaddi League Success: As the coach of the Gujarat Fortune Giants, Shah made a significant impact in the Pro Kabaddi League, guiding her team to the playoffs in 2022. Her strategic brilliance and mentorship played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
- National Coaching Role: Banani Shah has also taken up the role of coaching the Indian junior women’s national team, contributing to the development of promising young talents who represent the future of kabaddi in the country.
2019:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Kabaddi (women) team at the Nepal South Asian Games, where India secured the Gold Medal, showcasing her ability to guide the team to victory on the regional stage.
2018:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Kabaddi (women) team at the Jakarta Asian Games, helping India secure the Silver Medal, a testament to her coaching prowess on the global stage.
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Railways Kabaddi Team at the 66th Senior National Championship held in Patna, where Indian Railways clinched the Gold Medal, underlining her success at the domestic level.
2017:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Kabaddi (women) team at the Iran Senior Asian Championship, where India secured the Gold Medal, demonstrating her consistent ability to lead the national women’s team to victory.
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Railways Kabaddi Team at the 65th Senior National Championship held in Hyderabad, where Indian Railways secured the Silver Medal, further highlighting her coaching achievements at the national level.
2016:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Junior Girls Kabaddi Team at the 4th Junior Asian Championship held in Iran, where India secured the Silver Medal, showcasing her coaching expertise in nurturing young talents.
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Railways Kabaddi Team at the 64th Senior National Championship held in Patna, where Indian Railways secured the Gold Medal, continuing her successful coaching journey at the senior national level.
2012-13:
- Banani Shah represented as a Manager for the Indian Railways Kabaddi Team at the Senior National Championship held in Mandya, Bangalore, where Indian Railways secured the Gold Medal, displaying her multifaceted contributions to the team’s success.
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the West Bengal Junior Women Kabaddi Team, held in Bangalore, where the West Bengal Jr. Girls Team reached the Quarter Finals, reflecting her ability to coach and mentor emerging talents.
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2012:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Kabaddi team at the 3rd Asian Beach Games held in China, where India secured the Gold Medal, showcasing her coaching excellence in unique tournament formats.
2011-12 and 2010–11:
- Represented as a Coach for the Indian Railways Kabaddi Team at the Senior National Championships held in Wadala, Maharashtra, and Udupi, Mangalore, securing Gold Medals on both occasions, establishing her as a successful coach in the national arena.
2009:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Kabaddi team at the First SAF Beach Games held in Sri Lanka, where India secured the Gold Medal, demonstrating her coaching skills in beach kabaddi.
- Represented as a Coach for the Junior Girls Kabaddi Team at the 2nd Junior Asian Championship held in Malaysia, Kedah, where India secured the Gold Medal, highlighting her ability to mentor and develop young talents.
2008:
- Banani Shah represented as a Coach for the Indian Kabaddi (women) team at the First Asian Beach Games held in Indonesia, Bali, where India secured the Gold Medal, establishing her coaching credentials on the international stage.
Banani Shah’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As the first woman-certified kabaddi coach in India, she has broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and ignited a passion for the sport among girls and women. Her coaching achievements, advocacy for women’s empowerment through kabaddi, and dedication to education have made her an inspiration to all who know her.
Banani Shah’s legacy extends beyond the kabaddi mat. She is a role model for young girls and women who aspire to make their mark in sports and beyond. Her continued commitment to the sport ensures that the flame of women’s kabaddi will burn brightly in West Bengal and across India.
As she continues to inspire and empower through kabaddi, Banani Shah’s contributions will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
