Manju Nayal, a sports expert from Ghaziabad, has scripted a historic achievement in Indian sports. Once harboring dreams of winning medals on the mat as an active competitor, she is now prepared to oversee global contests at the grandest international stage. She has been officially selected to represent India at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She will assume the highly prestigious role of an International Technical Official, serving as a referee for the traditional martial art of Kurash, which is closely related to wrestling and combat disciplines. This selection makes her the first female referee from India to achieve this elite distinction in the sport. Currently, she is contributing to the academic and athletic community as the physical education coordinator at Gurukul The School, located in Dasna, Ghaziabad.
The Road from Judo Competitor to Three-Star Referee
Manju’s connection with sports is deeply rooted in her personal journey as an athlete. She originally stepped onto the mat as a judo competitor, gaining firsthand experience of the intense pressure and physical demands of combat sports. Her passion eventually led her to take up coaching, where she guided young talents. However, her deep desire to understand the intricate rules, technicalities, and subtle aspects of player performance steered her toward officiating. Through relentless dedication and years of experience, she climbed the ranks to become a certified three-star referee in Kurash. Officiating at the Asian Games represents a massive professional milestone. She acknowledges that refereeing is both highly prestigious and extraordinarily challenging. A referee must constantly assess how well a player performed, determine the exact score for specific techniques, and evaluate the overall impact of a competitor’s moves with absolute neutrality. Since an athlete’s entire future and years of hard work can depend on a single refereeing decision, she is determined to perform her duties in Japan with the highest level of integrity, accuracy, and fairness.
Unwavering Support and Unique Family Dynamics
This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the constant encouragement of her family. Her husband, two daughters, and mother-in-law have stood by her side through every obstacle and triumph. The news of her selection brought immense celebration to her household and garnered warm congratulations from her colleagues at Gurukul The School. Interestingly, sports are woven into the very fabric of her family life. Manju’s eldest daughter is also a national-level Kurash player, creating a fascinating dynamic. Inside their home, Manju is simply a loving mother. However, when they are at school, her daughter maintains professional boundaries and addresses her as Ma’am. Furthermore, during official tournaments, the daughter respects her mother’s role as an impartial referee on the mat. These distinct relationships highlight how smoothly Manju balances her personal and professional spheres.
Preparations for Japan and a Powerful Message
As the date of her departure draws near, Manju feels a blend of immense excitement and the natural pressure that comes with representing her country. She is scheduled to depart for Japan on September 21 and will return to India on October 1 after completing her prestigious assignment. Her journey carries an inspiring message for young girls and parents across the nation. She firmly believes that girls should never abandon their ambitions due to societal negativity or discouraging comments. If a family provides unwavering support, external criticisms can easily be ignored to forge a path to success. She also urges parents to involve both sons and daughters in sports from an early age. In her view, athletic participation is just as critical as academic education because it nurtures physical health, overall fitness, and robust self-confidence in growing children.
