Bhawna Sharma, India’s leading scorer at the Asian Women’s Handball Championship, has been a standout performer, netting 28 goals in just four matches. Her journey from a small village in Himachal Pradesh to becoming one of India’s top handball players is a story of resilience and hope.

Growing up in Navgaon, Bhawna’s family faced financial struggles. Her father worked as a farmer and car mechanic, often struggling to provide for the family. It was during her school years that Bhawna discovered handball, thanks to her coach Snehlata Chaudhary, a former India international. Handball quickly became a way for Bhawna and her sisters to dream of a better future. All three sisters eventually made it to the national team, with Bhawna emerging as a key player.

Bhawna first gained national attention at the 2022 Junior Asian Championship, where she was named the Most Valuable Player and helped India clinch the title. Since then, she has represented India at senior events, including the Asian Championships and the 2023 Asian Games. In this year’s championship, despite facing tough opponents like Iran and Japan, Bhawna’s performance has been remarkable, showing her growth and ability to handle high-level competition.

Beyond her personal success, Bhawna’s story is also about inspiring others. Thanks to coaches Snehlata and Sachin Chaudhary, who established a handball academy in Bilaspur, many young girls, including Bhawna, have been able to train and live in a supportive environment. Bhawna believes that handball has the power to change lives, as it did for her.

However, she highlights the need for better facilities, especially indoor training spaces, to help India’s handball team reach its full potential. With the right resources and support, Bhawna is confident that India can make a significant impact on the world stage.