Question 1: Kindly introduce yourself.
Answer: Hello, I am Sakshi Diwedi, pursuing B.Sc (Hons.) Mathematics from Kamla Nehru College. My hometown is in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Question 2: What propelled you into your sports venture? When did it begin?
Answer: I received my early education from a sports college in U.P. itself. I have played many sports like badminton, football etc at district level following which I joined ‘Scout and Guide’ and participated in five National Adventure Camps and Training camps. It has now been seven years since I started training students in ‘Scout and Guide.’ I also hold an NCC B and C certificate, obviously, coming from a sports school my whole life revolved around that aspect. Apart from that, I am intrigued by Science and even represented my institution at state level science exhibitions. In short, I have been active in sports due to my background but I have always maintained an equilibrium between academics and sports.
Question 3: As a female sportsperson, what were some challenges you faced and how did your family support you?
Answer: Whatever I am today, is because of my parents. They never pressured me into anything and their trust in me knew no bounds. I would like to add that when your parents entrust you, make sure you prove to be worth it. Coming to sports, people have the ideology that in this field selection is guaranteed, which is not the case in reality. So the demotivation that comes with it can be shattering, but one should not lose hope. I myself didn’t get selected in cricket, but setbacks are inevitable. It all comes down to how you manage them.
Question 4: How did you strike a balance between sports, coaching, academics etc.?
Answer: My usual school timings used to be 7am:1pm, then I used to juggle between Cricket, Taekwondo lessons. Being a night owl, I used to study till late at night after all the classes. On a whole, if you study everything side by side, covering your syllabus before it is being taught will save you a lot of time. Most people rush everything at the last minute, that won’t happen if you divide your daily schedule accordingly.
Question 5: Do you have a role model in your life?
Answer: Shri Ram is my Guru and my motivator. I have read the four Vedas, Geeta and I love reading all these mythological books that revolve around him. My sole motivation in life has always come from reading about Lord Ram.
Question 6: What was the most memorable moment of your life?
Answer : There were many moments, ups and downs, but the most memorable moment has to be the match prior to which my foot got wounded and I had no hopes of performing up to the mark in that Cricket match. Coach had deliberately not sent me into the field because of my wound. Players were getting out rapidly, we had still had a huge target in front of us and as it happened I went into the field after the 7th wicket. Final verdict, we won the match and I performed much beyond my expectations. Another moment was my 10th board result, wherein, even after juggling between all the tasks, I had made my institution proud by being the District topper.
Question 7: How do you handle disappointments?
Answer: Now, I have become quite stoic towards such comments, but you must have heard the society’s remarks about how a girl should be or not be, or regarding women in sports and their time schedule, etc. So, I have heard a lot of such remarks, and somewhere, they did break me but also, motivated me at the same time. I remember when I was preparing for boards, whenever I remembered their taunts, it burned a desire in me to prove them wrong. So, my advice would be to remain unheeded to such comments and show them the results, as it has been said ‘Actions speak louder than words.’
Question 8: What are your future plans? Is there any specific goal you have set up in your mind?
Answer: I will be preparing for UPSC and I want to be an IAS officer. This year, I will be giving my last attempt for the NDA exam, but if things don’t turn out to be in my favor, I will go for UPSC.
Question 9: How did sports build your personality on a whole or what did being in sports teach you?
Answer: When you are into multiple things, you have no time to listen to others. Thus, I advise everyone to keep themselves busy with things they are passionate about. Hurdles and Failures are an aspect of life, and even if you are not able to succeed, there will always be another door open for you. I also believe that sports should be made compulsory for every student as it keeps you physically fit, improves your brainpower, and keeps you disciplined.
Question 10: One advice you would give to someone aspiring for success.
Answer: I would just advise everyone to know what they are doing, why they are doing it, and to always be working towards their end objective. Success will come naturally if you always strive to be a better version of yourself. Never make your parents sad and retain your humanity within. It happens that when you are an ace at something, you keep pursuing that. I have been into many fields, went out for many competitions, and have come to the realization that education is important as well. Now, I believe that I can excel more in the academic field and work relentlessly for my nation.
HIGHLIGHTS-
● Sakshi has participated in five adventure national camps in ‘Scout & Guide’.
● She also holds a Black belt in Taekwondo.
● Apart from this, she is NCC ‘B’ and NCC 'C' certificate holder.
● She plays Cricket at District level.
● She has also played Badminton at district level.
● Reached the milestone of State Level Competition Debate Competition thrice.
● She holds many more certificates in science exhibitions.
Comentários