The current generation of young Indian sportspersons have not only helped India make a mark in the global sports arena, but also set inspiring examples for the next generation, reiterating the growing importance of a sports and play culture across the country.
From the introduction of Khelo India, a clear sign of support from the Government to push a sports culture, advocacy for a sports curriculum across schools, sports linked education scholarships, to mixed-gender teams and the sudden wave of sporting leagues, all are indicators that a sporting revolution of sorts is sweeping through India.
Sports and play when introduced at a young age, are hugely impactful in shaping lives of children, teaching them valuable life lessons, providing opportunity to learn and grow, promoting equality and team work, and providing a sense of freedom, much needed in developing into well-rounded adults.
Many children and youth have been positively impacted by their chosen sport, some have excelled at it, others have found their passion and still others a means of expression. As we are gear up for the World Cup Cricket finals, here’s a look at the youth sports icons who inspire us everyday.
1. JEMIMAH RODRIGUES, 18 – CRICKET
Picture Courtesy : AFP
“As the Indian team is playing right now, it will inspire Indian girls to take up the bat and there shall be many more academies for women’s cricket in India. There are many girls who come on the ground and tell us they want to start playing cricket. So things are definitely changing and it is only going to get better over the coming years.”
Mumbai based Jemimah Rodrigues became news when she scored a double century only when she was a 16-year-old. Under her father’s guidance, she started practicing at Shivaji Park when she was only 4 years old. Jemimah was denied access to a cricket academy in Bandra because it considered an ‘only boys sport’, but today no one can stop her. With 5 years of national level experience under her belt, she made her international debut in February 2018, at the age of 17 years. Known for her explosive batting style, she was awarded the best Woman Cricketer in Junior Domestic cricket by BCCI. When cricket tires her, she picks up the hockey stick or goes to her guitar, her companion on every tour.
2. MANU BHAKER, 17 – SHOOTING
Picture Courtesy : PTI
“This medal will motivate me to reach greater heights in the future, and I dedicate this to my family and coaches who have been supportive throughout,” said Manu Baker, on becoming the youngest Indian shooter to win World Cup gold.
Focused, uncluttered and courageous is how one can describes the Haryana girl Manu Bhaker, an Indian shooter who represented India at the 2018 ISSF World Cup and won two gold medals becoming the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the World Cup. At the age of 16, she also won a gold medal in the Women’s 10 m air pistol event at 2018 Commonwealth Games. Manu got a push when India’s interest in youth-driven games rose with the government’s Khelo India, a national programme for the development of sports. Manu spoke fearlessly on the shooting prize money that was promised to her by the Haryana Sports Minister, as she felt the government was playing “games” with her.
Being a shooter was not accidental for Manu, as she was inspired by her grandfather, a soldier in the Indian Regiment military who had witnessed the 1962 Indo- China war. Manu was naturally drawn to sports and until the age of 14, she excelled in Thang Ta or Huyen langlon, a Manipuri martial art. She was also good at boxing, tennis and skating, winning medals at the national games in these events. Manu has recently applied to Delhi University for her college education.
3. ARYAN JOSHI,16 – CHESS
Picture Courtesy : Unknown
“It is mostly about imagination. With the modifications, we identify better. I want to pursue a career in chess. I am training hard under coach Raghunandan Gokhale, I take his classes on Skype mostly. I want more coaching and want to participate in more international tournaments to improve ratings.”
16-year-old Aryan never let challenges come in the way of pursuing his passion for chess. Being partially blind was something he took in his stride. Despite his partial vision, he says he does everything like any other child, just that his approach may differ. Aryan’s interest in the game began when he sat with his brother and father who were playing. It was a special board, that allows visually impaired persons to touch individual sockets that he learnt his game.
Aryan’s ambition is to become an International Master in chess and a Grand Master, a feat that no visually challenged Indian as ever achieved. Aryan feels chess is the only game where blind people are at the same level as others. He has represented India in the World Team Championship for Indian blind chess.
As advised by doctors, for stimulation, Aryan pursues swimming and won 4 gold medals at the Maharashtra Paralympic Swimming Association and won 1 gold and 2 silver at the National Paralympic Swimming Championship. For Aryan, swimming is his passion and he wants to pursue chess internationally.
4. SWASTIKA GHOSH, 16 – TABLE TENNIS
Picture Courtesy : ITTF
“My dream is to win an Olympic Gold medal for India.”
Mumbai based paddler; Swastika Ghosh was part of team India that won gold at the South Asian Table Tennis Championship. Receiving a scholarship from Virat Kohli Foundation, it helped her progress and get better at her game at an International level. She also captained the Indian sub-junior team for the South Asian Federation Games held in Pakistan. Swastika first received the All India Rank-1 in the under-12 table tennis category, after winning the National Ranking Central Zone Table Tennis Championship in Gandhidham, Gujarat in 2013
Swastika’s father, Sandeep Ghosh is also her coach and mentor. Last year, Swastika was not included in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) and this made both of them upset. Swastika sought an an explanation, for not being considered for the league.
5. AADIL BEDI, 18 – GOLF
Picture Courtesy : Aadil Bedi Twitter Handle
“No matter where you get admission, IIT, UPENN or DU, no matter how fit your muscles are, it all comes down to how you treat others,” said Aadil in his High school graduation speech at his school in Chandigarh.
Chandigarh based Aadil Bedi developed a passion for golf when he was four-years-old. It was in Kuwait when Aadil visited his maternal uncle that he got acquainted with the sport. At an early age, Aadil was certain that he wanted to become a golfer and envisaged designing good golf courses.
Aadil became the youngest player to make the cut for the Indian golf team for the Asian Games that were held in Indonesia in 2018. Aiming to qualify for the 2020 Olympics, he is focused on his game and is grateful to the support received by Virat Kohli Foundation in mentoring and training him.
