Kaveri Dhimar, who used to row a boat with her sisters to repay their father’s debt by fishing in the backwaters, is now one of India’s best female canoers. Kaveri earned seven gold medals for Madhya Pradesh in the 31st National Senior Canoe Sprint Championship, and she will represent India at the Asian Championships in Thailand from March 24th to 27th, 2022. She is 17 years old.

The labourer’s daughter, who was discovered in a sports talent hunt in 2017 and trained at the MP water sports academy, has proven her tenacity and determination on numerous occasions. Kaveri has proven she can roe against the tide in a sport where being tall is considered a major advantage. “Seeing the Indian tricolour flying high in world canoeing waterways has always been my dream,” Kaveri told the Times of India.

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Kaveri’s family lives in Mandi village, Sehore district, approximately 40 kilometres from Bhopal.

Kaveri is the fifth of seven sisters and two younger brothers. “My family never had any land.” “We are from a fishing community, and our parents relied solely on fishing to support the family,” she explained.

“Before joining the academy in 2017, my father had to repay a Rs 45,000 debt.”

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“I and my sisters pitched in by fishing, and we eventually paid off his debt,” Kaveri explained, adding that she has “always been in love with water and watersports.”

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister, presented her with a cheque for Rs 11 lakhs on Thursday. “Keep playing and winning, we’re with you every step of the way,” he told the canoer. Sports Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, whom Kaveri regards as a “motivator and mentor,” made the statement. ” Kaveri has demonstrated that where there is a will, there is a way.” On several occasions, she has made the state proud. Such talent serves as an inspiration to others.”

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“It is Scindiaji’s regular guidance and support that has helped me reach such a level, without the MP Watersports Academy it would not have been possible,” Kaveri said. Scindia believes that the CM’s award will inspire other athletes and that the government will assist her and other athletes in all ways possible.