Abohar (Punjab), Dec 12: Girls in Punjab's Abohar city are practicing hard for a career in kickboxing, a sport which is gaining popularity in rural areas, as girls take to it for self-defence as well.

Yadvinder Kaur, a girl who is persuading a career in kickboxing, is a daughter of a farmer, who comes from a remote at village, Keekar Khera in Abohar.

She took to kick boxing four-years ago and with full support of her family in her sporting quest, her proficiency and ability made her win several medals in local championships in a very short span.

Yadvinder was recently selected for National kickboxing championship.

"Girls are doing comparatively better than boys in the field of education. Now, our parents don't want us to be limited to household work; we now go to schools and participate in sports. I feel very proud that I have won gold medal for my district and I wish to win medals for state and country," Yadvinder said.

Following Yadvinder's footsteps, many girls in Ferozepur district have taken to martial arts. While some wish to learn it as a self defence technique to handle anti-social elements, others view it as a career option.

Recently, over 100 children, a majority of them girls took part in a 15-day kickboxing workshop organized by the Punjab Sports Department at DAV College, where the aim was to attract more rural girls and boys to martial arts.

"It's a proud moment that girls are taking part in kickboxing. Otherwise it has been observed that most of the parents think that sports are of no use to girls. By learning the art of kickboxing, the girls can fight the ills of society and it will be very helpful for them for self defense," said Mohit Bagai, kick boxing coach.

Learning martial arts makes the children mentally strong and the feeling of being a victim no longer exists. The sport also encourages many to join the defence forces and even take up a career in the discipline.

"It is very difficult for girls to out alone these days. Kickboxing is a very tough sport, but then also we want to learn it, so that we can go out without any fear and make girls proud. The girls have reached the moon and it has also been proved by girls that they are no less than boys in any field," said Kumis, a student.

Rural youth have tremendous talent and if given a chance they can make their mark at the national and international level.

Kickboxing has been a fitness fad for some years in the metros. Now, it has reached small towns and rural areas as well. (ANI)