Very few athletes leave a lasting impression not only through their sporting achievements but also through their extraordinary courage, determination and fighting spirit. Twenty-eight-year-old Manjot Kaur Rattu, from Nawanshahr (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar), Punjab, is one such athlete. By representing India in the dangerous and highly challenging combat sport of Power Slap at the international level, she has created history. She has become India’s first female fighter to compete internationally in Power Slap.
Early Struggles and Her Journey into Sports
Manjot’s story is no less inspiring than a film script.
During her school years, while most children focused on academics and conventional activities, Manjot found herself particularly uninterested in studies, especially mathematics. She has openly admitted that because she struggled to enjoy academics, she turned towards sports while still in school—a decision that ultimately transformed her life.
She began her sporting career in 2015, initially trying disciplines such as kickboxing and kabaddi. After spending nearly six years exploring different sports, she chose professional boxing as her career in 2021.
A graduate with a Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) from the Physical College in Patiala, Manjot has demonstrated through hard work and dedication that strong determination can turn ambitions into reality.
Taking on the Challenge of Power Slap
Power Slap is an extremely dangerous combat sport. Two competitors stand face-to-face and take turns delivering full-force open-handed slaps to each other’s faces. Defensive movements are not allowed, making injuries such as facial swelling, cuts, dental damage and jaw fractures an ever-present risk.
Manjot was introduced to the sport by her coach, Jaskaran Singh, who had previously been associated with Power Slap events in Dubai. When she learned that no Indian woman had yet entered the sport, she decided to become the country’s first female Power Slap athlete.
Initially, she knew very little about the rules of the sport and was naturally apprehensive about the risk of injury. But embracing difficult challenges has always been part of her personality.
The Abu Dhabi Fight That Showcased Extraordinary Courage
During an international Power Slap competition held in Abu Dhabi, Manjot displayed remarkable resilience and courage.
In the third round of the contest, her opponent, Nikki Shaffer, landed a powerful slap that knocked Manjot’s mouthguard out. The impact badly tore the inside of her cheek and lip, causing significant bleeding.
Despite suffering serious facial injuries that eventually required nine stitches, Manjot refused to give up. Even when her coach advised her to withdraw from the contest, she declined to quit.
Fighting through immense pain, she completed all three rounds. Although she narrowly lost the match, she scored 23 points against her opponent’s 30, earning widespread admiration for her determination and fighting spirit.
Family Concerns and Unwavering Determination
Following the incident, her family became deeply worried and urged her to quit the sport. However, Manjot remained firm in her decision.
She believes that every major achievement demands sacrifice, hardship and the courage to endure pain.
Alongside her regular professional boxing training, she now dedicates around 15 minutes every day specifically to Power Slap practice. Her training focuses on improving balance after absorbing heavy strikes and refining the technical aspects of the sport.
Looking Ahead: Aiming for the World’s Biggest Stage
Manjot is now preparing for her next international contest, scheduled for 18 July in Sydney, Australia, which she considers an important milestone in her career.
Her long-term ambition is to represent India on the world’s biggest fighting platforms.
However, her dreams extend beyond her own sporting success.
She hopes to earn recognition and financial success through international competitions and eventually establish a boxing academy for girls in Punjab. Her goal is to encourage more young women from her region to pursue combat sports and represent India on the global stage.
Manjot Kaur Rattu’s journey demonstrates that once a person commits wholeheartedly to a goal, opportunities gradually begin to unfold. Today, she has become not only a source of pride for Nawanshahr but also an inspiration for countless young girls across Punjab and India who aspire to dream big and challenge convention.
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