New Delhi, Dec. 17 -- 21-year-old Manu was awarded the best player honour in the senior women's category at the recently concluded Delhi State Kho Kho Championship. She said this was a real boost to her morale as she chases her dream of playing for the Indian team in international tournaments and championships.

Her mother, Renu Devi, who works as a housemaid in homes near their small accommodation in Badli, was even happier, according to a release from the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI).

"My mother works hard to sustain the family and meet our needs. My father no longer lives with us and left us to our wits' end," said Manu. "I hope that one day I will be able to secure a government job through the sports quota and relieve my mother...