Carpenter’s daughter to carrying India on her shoulders: Amanjot Kaur called up to India A

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Image Courtesy: The Tribune/TOI

You may not have heard about her, but a cricketer named Amanjot Kaur from the city of Mohali in Punjab, has faced tremendous struggles and disadvantages, because of poverty and her gender. Daughter of a carpenter, Kaur faced denial from entry into a local cricket academy for being a girl. But she kept on fighting. And where did it end her up? In the India Women’s under 23 cricket team selected for the upcoming BCCI’s Women’s Under 23 T20 Trophy!

Image Courtesy: The Tribune/TOI

Currently improving her skills under the guidance of BCCI Level II cricket coach Nagesh Gupta at the Sector 32 coaching centre, Amanjot has previously been called up to represent Indian green team for the T-20 Women’s U-19 Challenger Trophy, held in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh last year.

Presently studying at the Sri Guru Gobind Singh College at Sector 26, Amanjot has also played for the Punjab Under 19 women’s team in the BCCI – U19 Womens Cricket League Tournament 2018-19. She was the player of the match against Chhattisgarh under 19 Women.

Speaking to the Times of India during her her training session at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 26, Amanjot was nothing but joyous for the chance to enter the bigger platform.

the 19 year old said: “I am all excited after getting the call. I have been asked to report by December 9. It is a great opportunity for me to get into the Indian team.”

However, she mentioned that its her family, especially her father’s never ending assiatance that has helped Amanjot to achieve success.

“I was fortunate that everyone at home supported me. My father (Bhupinder Singh) made sure I met all the requirements to achieve my aim.” Kaur told reporters.

Bhupinder, despite being a carpenter by profession, has always assisted her to follow her dream. “He used to accompany me to the practice ground every day. When I turned 18 last year, he gifted me a scooty and now I travel on my own,” she added.

Amanjot, who idolizes Team India all rounder Hardik Pandya, is an all rounder herself, and has captained the Chandigarh under 23 squad. Despite strugging to find proper guidance, her performance in the recent women’s under 23 T20 trophy grabbed attention from senior coaches, especially Nagesh Gupta.

“I have never seen anyone as hardworking as Amanjot. She is a very keen learner and very disciplined.” Nagesh told Times of India.

“She would reach for the net practice by 5.30 am even in winter before everyone, including me,” the coach praised Amanjot’s dedication for the sport.