Uday Kumar, a respected Karate instructor from Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand, has spent the past 32 years providing free Karate training to girls from rural areas. His mission: to help them become self-reliant,
confident, and capable of defending themselves.
Training Thousands, Creating Champions
Throughout his career, he has trained nearly 40,000 girls. Many of his students have gone on to win medals at both state and national levels, bringing immense pride to the region.
Inspired by Childhood and Trained Across Borders
Speaking to Local18, Uday shared that his passion for Karate began in childhood. He trained under several seasoned instructors in India and abroad before returning to Hazaribagh to teach.
His motivation stemmed from a deep understanding of the social challenges faced by girls, including harassment and safety concerns. He saw Karate as a way to build not just physical strength, but self-confidence and resilience.
From Resistance To Recognition
Initially, Uday faced resistance from rural communities. Convincing families to let their daughters train was a major hurdle. But with time and growing trust, more and more girls joined his programme, and some now teach Karate themselves in other villages.
Uday Kumar believes that while urban areas often have access to sports and training facilities, rural girls are left behind. This gap fuelled his determination to travel to villages and provide training where it was needed most.
A Lasting Legacy Of Empowerment
Uday Kumar’s initiative has become a shining example of how dedication and a service-minded approach can transform lives. His unwavering commitment continues to inspire change across rural Jharkhand and beyond.
