Sports talent from Jodhpur has once again brought immense pride to the country on the global stage. Local resident Pooja Rathore has made history by becoming India's first female referee at the prestigious IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship held in Barcelona, Spain. Her deep dedication and relentless struggle have led her to a position where she successfully shouldered responsibilities as a referee and technical delegate among teams arriving from six different continents across the globe.
Early journey and academic pursuits
Her connection with sports began early in life through the constant inspiration of her father. She actively participated in handball competitions starting from her school days up to the university and national levels. Afterward, she pursued a diploma in sports coaching to understand the technical aspects of the game. At the young age of just 23, she secured a government job within the education department, yet she never severed her ties with sports. At present, she works as a senior physical teacher at MGGS BJS. During this journey, she received constant encouragement from her coaches along with vital backing from the Rajasthan Handball Association, Handball Association India, and the Wheelchair Handball Association of India, which paved her way to the international arena.
Rigorous tests and strong family support
The path to becoming an international referee was far from straightforward. Following her official nomination, she had to clear several demanding procedures, which notably included a physical test and a written test. She attributes her remarkable success to her own hard work alongside the unwavering support of her father and her in-laws. She maintains that reaching this pinnacle would have been extremely difficult without family backing. She noted that her in-laws never stopped her from progressing and consistently encouraged her at every single step. This crucial family support gave her the strength to balance her professional duties and her passion for sports.
Absolute neutrality as the core duty
Describing the role of a referee, she believes that making decisions on the field is not just a formal duty but a responsibility tied directly to the future and enthusiasm of the players. Athletes step onto the ground after years of grueling practice, and the fruit of that hard work often depends on a single decision made by the referee. Because of this, maintaining total neutrality on the field is an absolute necessity. She states that regardless of who wins or loses, if players receive completely unbiased judgments, their trust and motivation toward the sport grow stronger. By fulfilling her duties in Barcelona, she proved that daughters from Jodhpur can carve out a distinct identity in international sports.
