Moni Kumari is a master discus thrower and has stood first in competitions. Although visually impaired, the Class VIII student of Antarjyoti Balika Vidyalaya is hardly daunted in her mission to learn different games. Her self-confidence is at an all-time high.

So is the same for all 72 girls at the residential school in Kumhrar, who have been learning different sports since 2007. Although they had to struggle initially, today they excel in games like chess, discus throw, throwball, long jump and many more.

Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand is the role model for Class VI student Babita Kumari. “One needs to anticipate every move of his or her opponent while playing chess. It is not very difficult to understand. The only thing one needs is concentration.”

“Sports have helped the students gain self-confidence,” said Renu Kumari, the hostel warden.