Kanishka Sonthalia

A visual log of thoughts, works in progress and completed works. Documentary Photographer

kanishkasonthalia.com

An Outlet

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“Everybody needs an ...quot;, says Kenya Coates (41).

1 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

“Everybody needs an outlet and I don’t have one. I listen to everyone else’s problems and try to work out their issues with them but sometimes you’re internalizing and yet you’re unaware of it", says Kenya Coates (41).

An Outlet

The mental and physical needs of women are quite often different from that of male veterans. 10% of the veterans population in the U.S. are women. While the transition from service to civilian life can be difficult to cope with, there are different support systems for women veterans to help them through this period. Boxing, a male-dominated form of sport is one such gateway for these women. The Department of Veteran Affairs along with the Gleason’s Gym has created a program to train veterans in boxing. These women instantly find this sport as a safe space and an outlet to disengage from their past and present obstacles.

Left- A pillar at Gleason&... at the Gleason's Gym.

3 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

Left- A pillar at Gleason's Gym, Brooklyn.
Right- Yvonne Trinidad stretches after her training at the Gleason's Gym.

Yvonne Trinidad practices by h...coaches her husband.

4 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

Yvonne Trinidad practices by herself while the coach David Murray coaches her husband.

Kenya Coates stands in the ring at the Gleason's Gym.

5 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

Kenya Coates stands in the ring at the Gleason's Gym.

Yvonne Trinidad exercises before her training.

6 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

Yvonne Trinidad exercises before her training.

Yvonne Trinidad watches over w...id Murray coaches her husband.

7 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

Yvonne Trinidad watches over while the coach, David Murray coaches her husband.

8 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

A speedball hangs against a wa...ason's Gym.

10 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

A speedball hangs against a wall of mugshots of champions who have trained at the Gleason's Gym.

Kenya Coates trains with her coach Davis Murray.

12 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

Kenya Coates trains with her coach Davis Murray.

A professional boxer practices...or while Yvonne lifts weights.

14 of 14 © 2025 Kanishka Sonthalia

A professional boxer practices in front of the mirror while Yvonne lifts weights.

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Public Project

An Outlet

Copyright Kanishka Sonthalia 2025

Date of Work Oct 2018 - Dec 2018

Updated Dec 2018

Topics Essays, Photography, Portraiture

5,343

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