Erenbeni P Khuvung poses with her medal during the 3rd North East Games 2024, hosted by Nagaland.
Meribeni T Kikon
Wokha | March 14
Erenbeni P Khuvung, a 25-year-old from Wokha District, is not only a prominent state badminton player from Nagaland but also an emerging lawyer, determined to champion the rights of marginalised women.
Her dual roles are shaped by an inspiring journey of resilience, passion, and determination, overcoming challenges and motivating others along the way.
Erenbeni's passion for badminton sparked at 11 when she attended her first coaching camp, igniting a competitive fire that only grew stronger.
“Seeing so many other young players, I felt a strong desire to compete and excel,” she reflected.
The path was not without obstacles.
With limited access to coaches and training facilities in her district, Erenbeni relied on occasional coaching camps and guidance from senior players to sharpen her skills.
“I adapted by practicing consistently and learning from every opportunity,” she recalled.
For Erenbeni, badminton is more than a sport—it’s a mental and physical challenge she embraces with passion. “Badminton is a unique sport that combines strategy with agility, and that’s what I love about it,” she explained. “It’s both enjoyable and challenging, and it pushes you to grow continuously.”
She credited her family and the Wokha District Badminton Association (WDBA) as pillars of strength as well as anchor in her journey. “My parents, siblings, and the WDBA are the silent heroes who've truly shaped my journey,” she shared. “Their belief in me, even when I doubted myself, is the heart of my success.”
Defining moment
A defining moment in Erenbeni’s career came during her second tournament in Wokha. Though she reached the semi-finals, poor health and a lack of proper nutrition left her physically drained. “I told my father I couldn’t continue,” she shared.
His response, however, became a turning point. “He said, ‘You shouldn’t give up. Now that you're on the court, you must finish what you started. Give your best, no matter the outcome, unless you’re physically unable to continue.’”
Though she lost that match, her father’s words stayed with her. From that moment on, Erenbeni vowed never to quit until the match was truly over.
“That experience instilled a lesson in perseverance. It’s not about winning; it’s about giving your best,” she noted, calling this mindset shift the key to her later successes.
As she gained experience, Erenbeni's training evolved, focusing on targeted drills like net play and smash power. “I plan my sessions around quality over quantity, relying on senior players' advice and adapting to the resources available in Wokha,” she explained.
On mental toughness, she highlighted its importance, calling it vital in badminton. She shared that staying focused under pressure comes from prayer and a smart, safe game plan, along with controlled breathing and trust in her training and coaches' advice.
The young player attributed the mental fortitude for helping her remain calm and composed during crucial moments on the court.
Overcoming setbacks
Setbacks are part of every athlete’s journey, but Erenbeni uses them as motivation. “For injuries, I prioritise recovery and listen to my body. Tough losses motivate me to learn from mistakes and improve,” she noted.
Recognising badminton’s physical demands, Erenbeni stressed the importance of balancing training, fitness, and recovery through discipline.
“I prioritise a nutritious diet, stay well-hydrated, and incorporate skipping at home to stay light and agile on the court. Recovery is equally important, so I ensure proper rest after intense training,” she added.
Though she has yet to compete internationally, Erenbeni acknowledged that global exposure would enhance her game by introducing her to diverse playing styles and competitive environments. “Even without international experience, I’m committed to learning from global badminton trends,” she added.
Shuttling from one court to another
"While badminton plays a significant role in Erenbeni's life, her passion extends beyond its court to another — the courtroom — with both pursuits closely intertwined.
Her interest in law was ignited during her work with the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by underprivileged women and girls."
“Many of these girls were unaware of their rights and lacked legal representation, which left them vulnerable to discrimination and violence,” she explained. “I came to see law as a powerful tool to achieve justice and equality, especially for those who are voiceless.”
As a state player and local champion, she leverages her platform to raise awareness and advocate for the empowerment of girls and women in her community.
“I want to inspire young girls to not only pursue sports but also to believe in their own worth, to know that they deserve equal opportunities in all walks of life,” she underscored.
Erenbeni is now holds a law degree, driven by a commitment to champion the rights of women and marginalised groups, having completed the Bachelor of Law degree from Kohima Law College in 2024.
Her goal is clear: to provide legal support to women and girls, especially in rural areas with limited access to justice.
She viewed her dual role as an athlete and lawyer as a way to blend her love for sports with her passion for advocacy.
Reflecting on the most rewarding part of her journey, Erenbeni said it was seeing her hard work translate into progress and success.
“Being selected as a BBBP local champion and inspiring girls in my district has been incredibly meaningful,” she added.
Short- and long-term goals
Looking ahead, Erenbeni balances her dual roles with clear short- and long-term goals. In the short term, she hopes to excel in badminton tournaments while mentoring young players in Wokha. Long-term, she envisions fostering a sustainable sports ecosystem in her community and using her legal expertise to advocate for women’s rights and equal opportunities in sports and beyond.
She remains hopeful about the growing opportunities for women in sports. “I believe every girl, regardless of her background, should have the chance to pursue her athletic dreams,” she said. “And I hope that by sharing my story, I can contribute to building a stronger, more supportive environment for girls in sport and law.”
To aspiring athletes, her advice is simple: “Embrace every opportunity. Seek guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice from coaches, senior players, and mentors. Persistence and hard work are essential for success. And never skip school.”
