Mumbai: Kabaddi star and Western Railway ticket inspector Sonali Shingate returns with Asian Games gold

Sonali Shingate with her family after returning to Mumbai from Japan with her Asian Games gold. Pics/Special Arrangement

Deputy Chief Ticket Inspector and kabaddi star Sonali Shingate returned to Mumbai with Asian Games gold, receiving a rousing welcome at Santacruz Railway Colony on Monday night. By day, she checks tickets and helps keep Mumbai's trains moving. Away from work, she has spent eight years chasing her dream of winning gold for India.

[popcorn number="2022" desc="Year Sonali suffered an ACL tear" class="Default"]

Tough Comeback

After winning silver at the 2018 Asian Games, Shingate set her sights on gold. An ACL tear in 2022, followed by surgery and rehabilitation, threatened to derail her sporting career. She fought back, resumed training and went on to win gold at the national level before making it to the 2026 Games in Japan. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated her on her arrival in Mumbai.

Missed trains

Asked if she got a chance to experience Japan's famed trains, Shingate said she sadly did not get an opportunity to travel by any train in Japan, something she would have loved to experience. She said the stay in Japan was pleasant, and the rooms were nice and comfortable.

Railway support

Speaking about her employer, Shingate said Western Railway had powered her success. The job helped improve her financial condition and gave her the security to pursue kabaddi. The Western Railway general manager was kind enough to resolve her housing problem in Mumbai by providing railway accommodation. The Railways encouraged her at every step. Her job gave her the security, time, and opportunity to practise and prepare in the best possible way.

Her message

Giving her message to future generations, she said, "Live your dream and pursue your goals. Stay committed to hard work and persistence. No matter how many setbacks you face, keep working towards what you want to achieve."

Shingate Speak

"After winning silver in 2018, my dream was to win gold for India. I worked towards it and was selected for the 2023 Games, which were postponed from 2022. Unfortunately, I suffered an ACL tear and was dropped from the team. I underwent surgery and rehabilitation before starting training all over again. I went on to win gold at the national level, but my ultimate aim remained the Asian Games gold. I continued practising and competing and finally made it to the 2026 Games. This time, there was no looking back."