Unlike other state-run schools that find it difficult to attract students, the government high school in Mundi Kas, an undescripted village of Lohian, has emerged as a favorite among local residents. Courtesy: The sports culture, which Hena Kumari is in charge, brought it to the facility.
Thanks to the dedication of Physical Education teacher Heena Kumari, her own PhD in Sports, parents now want to send their ward to school. More than 15 new students enrolled in the school during this session.
Heena Kumari told the Tribune that her main purpose is to bring a culture of sports to the schools and villages. “I visited various homes in the area and told me that apart from academics, I wanted the students to excel in sports.
With the help of NRI, she also distributes sports kits to students at school. “I have sports equipment at home too, so students can practice whenever a tournament is underway,” she said. The school students excel at the sports tournament held last year.
Mundi Kas, who falls into the Lohian block of the district’s Shakot area, previously headlined as “the worst village of floods.” Last time, children from the village, who belonged to humble backgrounds, shining the spotlight on the village for good reason. High school and up-and-coming players were brightly shining in the U-14 and U-17 categories of the Zonal Kho Kho Tournament held at Shahkot.
Students were practicing Kho Kho on roads outside the school and on the nearby vacant space. Due to the floods that affected the schools in 2023, there was wild growth, water was accumulated in the place, stones and soil scattered everywhere, and it made it difficult for players to practice because all the ground was levelless.
The teacher said it was difficult for students to practice without a proper play area. “But we managed to do well. I always kept the students safe and didn’t let them play without shoes,” she said.
Heena Kumari also knows that it is difficult for parents to provide proper meals to their wards. “They need a proper diet, so I’ll give them fruit and other foods to prevent them from getting low energy,” she said.
“My students have also reached the state level. Now I want the right Kho Kho ground and volleyball fields for the school,” the teacher said.
