Contact sports like Kabaddi demand strength, agility and resilience but they also place immense stress on the body. For 25-year-old Maharashtra state-level kabaddi player Nagindra Kura, this physical toll resulted in repeated shoulder dislocations over six long years. What followed was a journey of pain, perseverance and ultimately, recovery—made possible through advanced surgical care and structured rehabilitation.
The Challenge: Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations
Like many athletes, Kura initially ignored recurring pain and injuries during training. Over time, repeated dislocations began affecting not just her performance but also her daily life, sleep and overall well-being. Medical experts explain that such injuries are common in contact sports due to repetitive stress, sudden trauma during matches and inadequate recovery time.
According to Dr Abhay Kulkarni, specialist shoulder and sports injury surgeon at Sahyadri Hospitals, young athletes are especially vulnerable. The shoulder joint offers exceptional mobility, but this comes at the cost of stability—making it prone to injuries and recurrent dislocations when ligaments are damaged.
Diagnosis and the Right Surgical Solution
In March 2024, detailed imaging tests including CT scans and MRI revealed that Kura had suffered nearly 20% bone loss in the shoulder socket. This made conventional ligament repair ineffective.
Doctors recommended a Mini-Open Latarjet procedure, a specialised surgery that uses a small bone and muscle graft to stabilise the shoulder joint. The procedure helps prevent future dislocations by restoring strength and balance to the shoulder structure—especially important for athletes involved in high-impact sports.
Rehabilitation: The Key to a Strong Comeback
Surgery was only the first step. Kura followed a carefully structured rehabilitation program under expert physiotherapists. With disciplined recovery and gradual training, she returned to full-scale practice and competitive matches within six months.
Her comeback was nothing short of inspiring.
Back on the Mat—and Winning
In January, Kura competed in a tournament organised by the Pune Kabaddi Association, where her club Raja Shiv Chhatrapati Sanstha secured first place. She has since appeared for two state-level selection trials for 2026, marking a strong return to competitive sport.
A Message for Athletes
Kura’s journey highlights an important lesson for athletes: ignoring injuries can worsen long-term outcomes. Early diagnosis, the right surgical intervention and disciplined rehabilitation can make the difference between ending a career and reclaiming it.
Her story stands as a testament to modern sports medicine—and to the power of resilience.