Sportskeeda caught up with the 47-year-old from Odisha to understand what it takes to be an official at PKL and the journey behind it.

From not officiating a single national championship until November 2014 to the star-studded PKL season 2 in the next six months, Sasmita’s story is nothing short of a fairytale.

When asked about how kabaddi happened to her, she said:

Sasmita had already passed the AKFI qualifying exam and the secretary of her state association, Mr Ajay Kumar Behera, recommended her name to officiate in the 26th Sub-Junior National Championship in Patna in 2014. The lady from Bhubaneswar hasn’t looked back since.

From officiating at the National Games in 2015 to the men’s World Cup in 2016 to seven PKL seasons so far, Sasmita has done it all. She has also officiated in marquee international events like the Dubai Masters (men) and the 2019 South Asian Games held in Kathmandu.

Recalling how she got selected for PKL, Sasmita said:

Like many, Sasmita didn’t think kabaddi would get a league of its own.

Click here for yesterday Pro Kabaddi match results.

Being a woman in a sport dominated by men

PKL is the only league in India that encourages women to officiate in a men’s tournament. Asked if she faces any challenges during PKL matches, she explained:

Below is a video of the legendary player Anup Kumar, who is now coach of Puneri Paltan, asking his players not to laugh at the other Pro Kabaddi team.

PKL organizers Mashal Sports has been extremely vocal about women’s empowerment. Sasmita says that it’s the League Commissioner Anupam Goswami who always encourages more women to be a part of this league.

Asked who her inspiration has been, Sasmita broke down while talking about her mentor Nita Mohanty, who passed away on January 14.

While Nita was her mentor back in her state, at the PKL she says Mr. E Prasad Rao (Technical Director), Dr. HV Nataraj and Mr. Vishwas More (both Technical Supervisors) motivate her a lot to be one of the best in the business.

Sasmita also drew inspiration from Jamuna Venkatesh, the first female international kabaddi referee from India.

Pathway to be associated with kabaddi and PKL

“Before talking about pathways, I would like to say that fitness is paramount to being a kabaddi official. Second is your state association. There is an exam by AKFI (Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India) for being an official, and if you clear that you become eligible to officiate in kabaddi matches. With that certificate, you can officiate in state championships, and if your state association recommends you to AKFI, you will be called to officiate in National Championships. So it is mostly in the hands of your state association," explained Sasmita.

“After seeing the performance of officials in the Nationals, a group of 50-60 officials are selected for a camp. In the camp, there are many things with which we are tested. From fitness to theory sessions to speech therapy sessions to yoga, we are trained with everything. Whoever performs the best, is selected for officiating in the PKL,” she added.

“I must say that the secretary in my state, Mr. Ajay Kumar Behera has been very supportive. He trusted me and recommended me for the Nationals and that opened the doors for me to be here at PKL. My childhood athletic coach, Mr. Suryakanta Mohanty, has played a big part in my transition from athletics to kabaddi. He has been very kind to allow me to shift games and has also supported me in kabaddi in whatever way he could,” says Sasmita with respect for her mentors.

Sasmita has been a renowned name both in her state and in India. Her grit, dedication, and determination have put her where she is today.

“I had huge support and love from Odisha and that is why I am here. Also, my federation supported me a lot. I will be forever indebted to them,” Sasmita concluded.

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