International basketball player from Chhattisgarh to join Western Railway Mumbai; a journey marked by medals, discipline and determination
Published on: February 10, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Rajnandgaon, often referred to as the basketball nursery of Chhattisgarh, has once again produced a shining star in Indian sports. International basketball player Mona Goswami has been selected for a government job in the Indian Railways under the sports quota, acknowledging her exceptional performances at national and international levels. She is set to join Western Railway, Mumbai in the coming days.
Mona Goswami is the daughter of Tirath Goswami, an employee at Digvijay Stadium, Rajnandgaon. She began her basketball journey at the young age of four under the guidance of international basketball coach Kalwa Rajeshwar Rao. From the very beginning, her talent was evident, and with consistent training and discipline, she quickly rose through the ranks.
During her school years, Mona won a gold medal at the State-Level School Basketball Championship, followed by another gold at the National School Basketball Championship upon entering Class VI. Despite coming from a financially modest background, Mona never allowed challenges to slow her progress. Her father and coach ensured that lack of resources never became an obstacle in her sporting journey.
Mona was inspired to take up basketball by her elder sisters Preeti Goswami and Priya Goswami, both accomplished players themselves. Preeti earned multiple state and national medals before being forced to quit the sport due to health reasons. However, Priya and Mona continued their pursuit of excellence despite adverse circumstances.
Recognizing their potential, Yugantar Public School, Rajnandgaon, provided both sisters with free admission. Later, their consistent performances led to their selection in the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Residential Training Centre, Rajnandgaon, where they received advanced training under international coaches Kalwa Rajeshwar Rao and Kalwa Radha Rao.
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Mona’s career flourished further when she was selected for the Khelo India Basketball Academy, where she received scientific training and a monthly scholarship of ₹10,000. Combined with Government of India incentives, she received sports-related benefits amounting to ₹6.28 lakh. Currently, she is a player at the Delhi Public School Khelo India Basketball Academy, Rajnandgaon. Based on her sporting excellence, Jain University has also granted her free admission.
At the international level, Mona won a bronze medal at the 10th Asia Pacific Basketball Championship in Vladivostok, Russia, and represented India in tournaments held in Adelaide (Australia) and Serbia (World School Basketball Championship). She also secured bronze medals at the National Games (Uttarakhand) and Khelo India Youth Games, and competed in multiple national championships organized by the Basketball Federation of India across sub-junior, junior, youth, and senior categories, winning several gold, silver, and bronze medals.
In recognition of these achievements, Mona received multiple job offers from various railway zones and government departments under the sports quota. She has chosen to join Western Railway, Mumbai. Her sister Priya Goswami has also earned several medals at national and international competitions.
Mona Goswami’s selection has been widely celebrated. Sports associations, players, and officials have extended heartfelt congratulations to Mona, her father Tirath Goswami, and her coaches Kalwa Rajeshwar Rao and Kalwa Radha Rao, applauding their dedication and contribution to Indian basketball.
