Success Story: Laxmi Shekhawat (Rajasthan) – The success story of Laxmi Shekhawat, a Rajput woman from Jhajhar village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, stands as a shining example of indomitable courage and sheer willpower. Despite suffering a broken spine in a severe road accident, Laxmi refused to give up. She made a spectacular comeback to the sporting arena and has now scripted a new chapter of success. Laxmi Shekhawat is currently serving as the vice-captain of the Indian team at the 14th Asian Netball Championship, being held in Hong Kong from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
Laxmi Shekhawat’s elder brother, Swaraj Singh Shekhawat, shares, “As a basketball player, I once dreamt of playing for India abroad. While I didn’t get that opportunity, that unfulfilled dream of mine is now being realized through my younger sister, Laxmi. This is one of the most memorable moments of my life. My sister departed for Hong Kong from Delhi on August 5.”
“Stay strong, sister; you have to play for the country”: Brother honed Laxmi’s talent
Swaraj Singh Shekhawat is himself an accomplished basketball player who has won multiple gold medals at the national level. It was he who recognized and nurtured the latent sporting talent within his younger sister, Laxmi. Even after the accident, he did not let her spirit break. He always believed in her and would motivate her by saying, “Sister, stay strong. You still have to play for India.” It is a remarkable turn of events that today, as the vice-captain of the Indian team, Laxmi is bringing honor to the nation on the courts of Hong Kong.
When a storm hit a happy life: A broken spine caused by an accident
Swaraj Singh mentions that Laxmi had a deep passion for sports from childhood. Everything was going well until 2014. At that time, Swaraj Singh was posted in Jobner, Jaipur district, and Laxmi was living with him while studying in the 11th grade. One day, while returning home from school, she met with a horrific accident that resulted in a severe fracture to her spine (L1–L2).
Spinal Rod Implantation: How the 6.3-Foot Athlete Won the Match of Life
Following this terrible accident, Lakshmi became completely unable to walk and was confined to bed rest for an extended period. Eventually, doctors had to insert a rod into her spine. Thanks to proper rehabilitation and the unwavering support of her family, she gradually recovered. For the 6-foot-3-inch tall Lakshmi, the spinal fracture felt akin to a death sentence; however, upon recovery, she returned to the arena with greater enthusiasm and an unshakeable passion to win.
Lakshmi is the Mother of an 8-Month-Old Daughter: Full Support from Both Her Maternal and In-Law Families
Lakshmi Shekhawat’s glorious success was made possible by the immense support she received from both her maternal family and her in-laws. In February 2023, she married Rahul Singh, a native of Didwana who works with the Indian Railways in Gujarat. They have an eight-month-old daughter named Rajlakshmi. Currently, Lakshmi Shekhawat’s family resides in Jaipur.
