Don’t go by her baby-face as Jharkhand’s Eitu Mandal, may be just 13 but enjoys the singular distinction of being the youngest kabaddi player to make her debut in the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games this week.

What makes Eitu’s passion for the game remarkable is the fact that she is a daughter of a tractor driver who hardly has any incentive to pursue this sport except for her passion. When just eight years old, this resident of Madhuban village in Dumka district, fell in love with kabaddi.

Facing girls bigger in size and weight did not deter her from making her mark in the game as she quickly moved up the levels to become part of the Under-18 Youth team impressing one and all.

Talking to the media, Eitu said: “My parents were worried for me. But I have never been scared.”

Praising her supportive family, the player remarked: “I am the eldest in the family. But my parents have given me a free hand. They didn’t put any pressure on me to take up the responsibilities of the family.”

Eitu has already inspired her sister, who is five years younger to her, to take up the sport. She too, like Eitu, is already turning into a fine player.

Interestingly, Eitu is clear about what she wants to do in future after her stint on the ground as a player is over. “I want to be a coach. As soon as I learn enough about the sport, I will start coaching. I want to work with youngsters, help them fall in love with kabaddi.”

With the professional kabaddi league starting from 2016 for women, many young girls have taken to this sport in a big way.