Pooja Harsha
The first woman from South India to become a National Coach in Kickboxing
Women’s safety in India is a major concern today. While building a healthy and principled society where everyone respects men and women equally is the goal, one of the immediate solutions is to enable women to safeguard themselves against miscreants and anti-social elements. One of the major advocates and a pioneer in enabling women to protect themselves is Pooja Harsha, WAKO Kickboxing National Coach and the founder of Academy of Self Defence.
Pooja started to train in Karate at the age of 7. Her father, Hari Das, was instrumental in inspiring here to pursue Karate in her formative years. She went on to win several accolades in Karate. Taking up kickboxing was a natural progression for the Karate champion. Pooja went on to win several national and international laurels in Kickboxing. Eventually she became the First woman from South India to become a National Coach in Kickboxing. Most notably she has achieved many of these laurels while being a mother.
Ably supported by her husband, Harsha Shankar who himself is a Asian Bronze medalist in kickboxing and a champion in martial arts, they have together founded the Academy of Self Defence. The academy trains people, especially women to protect themselves. Pooja Harsha is also actively involved in promoting Kickboxing in several schools, colleges and corporate companies. She has been working to increase awareness and empower women by conducting self defence seminar programs called “Live Without Fear and DARE—Defence” Against Rape and Eve teasing”.
Pooja Harsha spoke to Organiser on her motivation, journey, future plans and about women in sports.
What motivated you to take up kickboxing, which is seen as a male dominated sport?
My father inspired me to learn Karate. Later my husband further encouraged me to pursue kickboxing and has been instrumental in all my endeavors. I never felt that it was a male dominated sport as I always received all kind of support from everyone. My coaches at WAKO, my father, my husband have been supportive throughout and hence I feel it is wrong to say that it is male-dominated.
You have been in this sport for more than 20 years. What are the kinds of challenges you faced during this journey?
However, being physically fit and in top form is a challenge. Being a mother and to pursue the sport is also a challenge but I have received all support from my family. Even my daughter started getting training at the age of 3.5 years.
When you represent the country and train others what motivates you?
To train people to protect themselves is a big motivation. I also wish to win a Gold for my country and to become a “World Champion”.
How do you see the future for women in sports in India, especially in sports like Kickboxing?
The future is bright. I see it simply as a sport and don’t see it as being separate for men and women. Such distinction doesn”t do justice to the sport and anyone. Kickboxing is growing rapidly in our country. Even PM Modi has expressed his support for women in sports. More and more people and children are coming forward to learn the sport.
