Changing the breath of girlhood one kickflip at a time is 10 year-old kamali. The ‘girl-on-a-skateboard’ narrative is an unusual one especially in Mahabalipuram, a town in the state of Tamil Nadu, south of India. Up until the last 10 years skateboarding has practically been unheard of for anyone in India, but magically we have seen a boost in its participation by girls. This is why rare tales like that of Kamali’s are a gem to behold.

What positive notes we can gather about Kamali is how her gradual visibility is already helping young girls take up alternative sports like skateboarding. This is an important message because of Kamali’s background which is not of the silver-spoon. This is evident as her mother and uncle tirelessly strive to get her the best education that they weren’t privy to. Her humble story has already ignited the catalyst to raise-up young girls out of the oppressive cultures they face in India.

The iconic image of Kamali on a skateboard found its way to the eyes of Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk who reposted the image on his instagram. In a white dress, pursed mouth and a look of fearless concentration, we see an image emblematic of changing times as girls who do skate typically don’t wear dresses. This image, definitely spurred a beautiful raucous in the male dominated skate community, the essence of which has already brought incredible change. Already so young Kamali is charging ahead occasionally teaching young girls to jump on skateboards, as their parents and onlookers watch anticipatively in the background.

The Oscar shortlisted feature documentary “Kamali” puts us right in the candid moments of Kamali’s typical ritual, as she bathes, detangles her hair and prays at the Mahabalipuram temple. The extraordinary take-away is the ongoing sacrifice that Kamali’s mother consciously makes as she creates a space, big or small, where her daughter can achieve her dreams with no restrictions. A restriction she felt heavily: “In my time girls weren’t allowed to play.”. Her vision is clear for Kamali: “My girl mustn’t grow up like that” (Kamali, 2019). The sweet triumph of this story is the opportunities the project has brought for Kamali and her family. Since filming she is officially sponsored by vans and alongside her mother, were flown out last year to Shanghai to witness a Pro-skateboarding competition, adding a tangible dimension to her learning.

Kamali, who’s hardly seen without a glorious smile is always open to trying new things like surfing, to accelerate her skateboarding skills. And with the rapid developments in skateboarding it should come as no surprise that it is now recognised as an Olympic sport, improving the opportunities available to advance anyone’s career. Kamali’s signature trick is the ‘Tic-Tac’ move as she rhythmically pivots from side to side on her skateboard. She’s also dreaming bigger: “ My aim is to be a vet… a dog doctor.”(NDTV 2019).

It feels like skateboarding as a girl in India skirts a delicate line between femininity and toughness, oppression and freedom but also the difference between being bored or challenged. Although Kamali is only a young girl she has taken on the challenge, making the leap from a novice 6 year old skateboarder to aspiring global talent at 10 years old. Fundamentally, skateboarding has opened up her mind and in turn more opportunities to be her best self, always.

You can watch Kamali’s short film here.

Words by Funmi Olagunju