Q. Tell us something about yourself?
Ans. My name is Ishika Aryan. I hail from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. I am currently in my 1st year, pursuing B.A. Program from Maitreyi. I am a three-time national player of taekwondo and the first girl to hold a black belt in Purvanchal. I have also participated in Bhutan International Taekwondo Championship. I have received professional training in badminton as well and have played it on a national level. I am also the recipient of the Mahila Shiksha Suraksha Award by the U.P. state government and the Siswa Ratna Award. Furthermore, I have a passion for singing and have bagged a medal for the same in my school. I enjoy writing poems and reading as much as possible as I believe they make my life more interesting. Candidly admitting, I have built an entire library in my room.
Q. How did your journey as a sportswoman begin and what were the initial struggles you had to face?
Ans. Being an only child of a single mother, I used to be very insecure and under confident. A big part of my start can be credited to my school as they allowed us to receive training by hiring martial arts trainers. That's when I became bold and gained the needed confidence to shape the person that I am today. I was in my fourth grade at that time, so the training was fun and torture at the same time. Also, initially, it did take a toll on my academic life since I was just beginning to learn how to balance the two. However, I loved the experience as I am the kind of person who keeps herself busy, so it was a treat for me. There was also a point when I felt emotionally cut off from my family, yet they never ceased being my rock. My trainer was also like a big brother to me. He used to give me extra time for self-defence training. I consider myself fortunate to have had this experience because it served as the foundation for my journey.
Q. Who do you consider as your mentor, that one person who has always guided you and supported you in your journey?
Ans. My mentor is my state's secretary Abhishek sir. I was inspired by his focus and concentration. His aura and personality, in addition to his unmatched coaching skills, have made a very positive impression on me. Also, Mary Kom is a figure who I have always looked up to.
Q. What was the fire that kept you igniting throughout your journey? What was the inspiration that drove you through the hurdles?
Ans. As I have mentioned earlier, I was a very shy kid. My training kept me in focus, and it ultimately beat the blues of my under confidence. That's what kept me going.
Q. Since you were schooled at Navodaya Vidyalaya, how was your experience of being educated at such a reputed school?
Ans. According to me, one word that describes Navodaya is family. My experience there was overwhelming. It was there that I was first introduced to badminton which made me a
national player. One particularly cherished memory of mine is of the Navodaya library. So, I can safely say that Navodaya was simply heaven for me.
Q. What is your success mantra?
Ans. Concentration and dedication are a huge deal to me. If I commit myself to a task, I tend to give it my all. Also, I never force myself into something which I don't like because I know
that I won't be giving my hundred percent.
Q. What message would you like to give to the fellow sportswomen of our country who want to break stereotypes like you?
Ans. In villages, talent is abundant but it is not groomed or cared for. I want the government to do something that celebrates and cherishes the talent of village girls. Also, women all over the country should be provided with training facilities. Sports is not just about trophies and medals, it is also about finding your true self, so my message to the women out there is to not limit themselves and pursue whatever they want to.
Q. Did Covid affect your sportsmanship in any way?
Ans. Playing is more of a habit to me now. So, when Covid hit us, it broke me inside out as I could not play any longer. It destroyed my potential, and I am now two years behind where I was supposed to be.
Q. What are your thoughts about the future of women's sports in India?
Ans. There are programs like Khelo India, which are really good initiatives. Many such initiatives are improving the situation in our country, but still, I would say that more attention needs to be given to the villages. The sportsmanship spirit should be developed among the children from the primary stages itself and not just in colleges.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ishika Aryan is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree from Maitreyi college. She is a three-time national player in taekwondo and a one-time national player in badminton.
She has had the honor of participating in the Bhutan International Taekwondo Championship and is the proud recipient of the Mahila Shiksha Suraksha Award and the Siswa Ratna Award.
She is also an avid reader who has built an entire library in her room. She also has a passion for singing and has also achieved excellence in the same.
She took her first steps towards her sports journey during her schooling years when her faculty presented her with the opportunity to professionally train with martial artists.
She gives huge credit to her athletic training, for it shaped her personality and helped her overcome her underconfidence and shyness.
According to her, concentration and dedication are keys to her success. Along with never forcing herself onto the tasks which don't interest her.
She wishes that necessary steps should be taken for uplifting the talent in the villages and backward areas of India.
Also, she feels that sports are not just about trophies and medals, it is rather a journey of self discovery. She also encourages women to not limit themselves and to pursue whatever they want with the apt level of confidence and determination.
Keep it up girl🤘✌️