10 Powerful Steps of Courage: The Inspiring Rugby Journey of Mama Naik
Who is Mama Naik?
Mama Naik is a rising rugby star from the small district of Keonjhar in Odisha. Born on 1 September 2004, the 21-year-old athlete has already carved a powerful identity in Indian rugby. From humble village beginnings to representing India on international platforms, her journey is a story of courage, determination, and dreams that refuse to fade. Guided by her coach Rajkishor Murmu, Mama continues to grow as one of the promising talents in Indian women’s rugby.
Coming from a simple family of six members—her parents, two elder sisters, and a younger brother—Mama’s life was never easy. Her father is a farmer, and her mother takes care of the family as a homemaker. Despite financial struggles, her family always believed in the power of education and opportunity. Today, Mama stands as a symbol of hope for many young athletes from rural India.
1. A Small Village Girl with a Big Dream
Mama spent her early childhood studying in her village in Keonjhar. Because of financial problems, continuing education was difficult for her family. One day her mother heard about a good school in Bhubaneswar where students could study with full support and facilities. That opportunity changed Mama’s life forever when she got admission to the KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) school.
2. The Moment That Sparked a Champion
During her school days at KISS, Mama once saw senior students returning with sports medals. That moment sparked something powerful in her heart. She decided that one day she would also play sports and bring medals home. In 2016, she started playing rugby, and that decision became the turning point of her life.
3. Rising Through Determination
Rugby was not easy at first. It required strength, speed, discipline, and mental toughness. But Mama embraced every challenge with determination. With the guidance of her coach Rajkishor Murmu and the support of the KISS institution, she trained harder every day and slowly built her confidence on the field.
4. Leading India as a Young Captain
Mama’s leadership qualities shined early in her career. In 2022, she captained the Indian team in the Under-18 Asia Rugby Sevens Championship in Nepal, winning a silver medal. She also captained the Under-20 Asia Rugby Sevens Championship in Uzbekistan the same year and again secured a silver medal for India.
5. Making Her Mark Internationally
Mama continued to shine on the international stage. She represented India in the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy in Doha, Qatar in 2023 and won a silver medal. In the same year, she also represented India at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, finishing among the top teams in Asia.
6. Dominating National Competitions
Mama has also been a strong force in national tournaments. She won gold medals with the Odisha women’s team in the 37th National Games in Goa (2023) and the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Her performances have consistently proved her value as a top rugby player in the country.
7. University-Level Excellence
In 2025, Mama added another golden chapter by winning the gold medal at the 5th Khelo India University Games in Rajasthan with the KIIT Sevens Team. This achievement strengthened her reputation as one of the most talented university rugby players in India.
8. Continued Success in 2026
In 2026, Mama and the Odisha women’s team won the gold medal at the Asmita Rugby League Senior Women’s National Championship. She also secured a silver medal at the 12th Senior National Rugby 7s Championship in Guwahati, Assam, further proving her consistency and excellence.
9. Gratitude and Support System
Mama often expresses deep gratitude towards the KISS and KIIT founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta, who provided educational support, training facilities, and opportunities for athletes like her. Because of this support system, she was able to focus fully on her sport without worrying about financial struggles.
10. A Dream Bigger Than Everything
Mama Naik’s biggest dream is to become an Olympic rugby player and represent India on the world’s biggest sporting stage. With her dedication, talent, and fearless spirit, she continues to move closer to that dream every day.
Conclusion
Mama Naik’s journey from a small village in Keonjhar to representing India internationally is a powerful story of hope and perseverance. Her achievements prove that talent can rise from anywhere when supported by determination and opportunity. As she continues to chase her Olympic dream, Mama Naik stands as an inspiration for thousands of young athletes who believe that hard work and courage can truly change their destiny.