Q. Tell us something about yourself?
I am Sneha Bhukar, a second-year student pursuing BA in Economics Hons. I am an International Level Netball, National Level Basketball and National Level Shooting Player
Apart from this, I love painting. Currently, I am into art and craft. I call myself a bibliophile as I love reading, especially non-fiction novels.
Q. You are a national level basketball and international level netball player and at the same time, you have also represented India at Youth Asian Netball Championship. Tell us how you stepped into it and your journey so far?
My interest in sports began when I was in 5th grade. At the age of 10, I was introduced to swimming. I used to practice early in the morning and then go to school after the practice hours. I also won many of the state championships at that time. I qualified for nationals in swimming but they weren't held due to some situational crisis. Simultaneously, I used to play basketball.
In high school, I had to concentrate on my studies so I left swimming and only practised it out of my passion for it rather than preparing for any swimming competitions. In 9th class, I played my first school national in basketball and have not stopped yet. Netball is very similar to basketball so I also started playing netball. I used to practice for hours.
In 2019, I have my trials for the India camp and
then stayed in a camp for more than 4 months. The training period was indeed one of the most hectic periods, later I represented India. During this period, there was a lot of pressure on me because I had to balance my studies and sports. Fortunately, I was able to manage both of them and I learnt a lot from these experiences, especially the art of managing things when there's constant pressure on an individual. I love shooting as well and have qualified for nationals. Currently, my interest lies in learning dance and some musical instruments.
Q. You are a brilliant sportsperson, having represented India in your game, share with us some of your major achievements?
In Swimming, I have won several medals (25) in state championships and have qualified for nationals. In basketball, I have won a gold medal in the state championship and played in SGFI (School games federation of India) in the 9th class.
In shooting, I qualified for the state championship after which I got the first position in the north zone tournament and later I qualified for the open national shooting championship held in Kerala in 2018. In Netball, I have represented India in the Asian Youth Netball Championship held at Kashima, Japan. I won silver in the junior national championship which was held recently this year in February 2021. I was the vice-captain of the Delhi team and we grabbed the second position in the nationals. I have also won a silver medal in the Federation cup national netball championship held in Punjab in 2019.
I was a member of an International Aqua workshop held at LNUPE, Gwalior.
In 2019, I was also awarded the Dhyanchand award for recent highest achievement in the whole state.
Q. Tell us the kind of bond you share with your father?
He is the one who introduced the world of sports to a 10-year-old Sneha. Initially, I was not as strong and capable as I am today, but I have made myself. During this, my father has always supported me. I have a very close relationship with my dad. He is my first coach who always encouraged me to try every game possible. I see him as my role model. We used to practice and play together and he was also my teacher. He is a very disciplined and strict person, who teaches me not to waste my time and be very productive.
Q. In our country the field of sports is more challenging and traumatic for women in comparison to men. We can say the journey of every woman athlete is longer and has more ups and downs in comparison to men. They have to not only deal with the game they are playing but also deal with the patriarchal norms and societal pressure and in many cases, they have to go against their families. So, what is your stand on this? And have you faced any such sought of thing?
I totally agree with this point and I have experienced where things were biased for men and women. Talking about my experiences, at many events there were some extra restrictions for women, there were no such restrictions for men. We were accountable for our every action but the case was not the same with boys. Many times, we were commented on our clothes and especially when we used to go for a tournament in backward areas things used to be more problematic.
I would say, the problem is indeed very deep-rooted and the narrow mentality of people around us is the reason for the struggles that women face. The youth have to work together to bring awareness not just in our country but in our own homes as well. Women are the future of India, so let them fly and work hard.
Q. We always hear people saying failures are an integral part of life. As a sportsperson, you must have learnt how to deal with them. Tell us how you see failures and how you deal with them?
Failures are the steps towards success, this is what all of us are told. I even experienced it twice, first when I was in my 7th grade and second when I was in my 12th grade. I practised continuously for years for nationals and it got cancelled due to a situational crisis. It was really very disheartening for me because I felt that my hard work was wasted. But in all this, my parents supported me a lot and they said these failures will make me stronger and, in the future, you will get many opportunities. I believe failures motivate us to do better and teach us the real value of success.
Q. What is your secret mantra? Would you like to give some insights to all those sports players and especially women who want to see themselves as successful sportspeople?
For me, sports, of any kind, is the best investment of time, it will give you lifelong returns without any loss.
The real motivation for me is my interest in sports and that keeps me going. I always get motivated when I see my mom and dad because they are my constant supporters, the positive energy that I get from my family drives me further to work hard consistently.
Many people don't get support but those whose parents are supportive should definitely utilize the opportunity. There is a misconception that sports are a waste of time but in reality, it makes you mentally and physically strong and also helps you to lead a happy and healthy life. It's also therapy and a lifelong investment. Sports is the best platform for overall personality development.
And especially for women, it makes you stronger and you can use it for self-defence. I would say work hard to achieve your dreams, the fruit at the end is always sweet and you are going to cherish those working hours for sure.
Splendid 💫
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