By Anukriti Srivastava
DEHRADUN, 10 Feb: At just 15 years old, Diya Chaudhary has brought pride to Uttarakhand by winning a bronze medal in doubles at the 38th National Games. Born and trained in Dehradun under coach Pritam Singh, Diya’s journey in lawn tennis has been marked by hard work and determination. She has already made a name for herself internationally by clinching a singles title at an International Tennis Federation event in Africa. Winning a medal for her state was a proud moment for Diya. Although she aimed for gold, she fell just short. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful and believes that with continued effort, she will reach the top in the future. She is committed to coming back stronger and turning her bronze into gold next time. During the match, Diya was unaware that she was on the verge of securing a medal. It was only after her coach informed her that she realized the significance of her achievement. The joy of winning for herself and her state made the moment even more special. “When the journey gets tough, keep working hard and don’t quit no matter what people say,” she emphasizes, highlighting her belief in perseverance.
Training for tennis is always demanding, but Diya had to push herself even harder for her doubles matches since she primarily plays singles. She dedicated herself to the extra efforts needed and adapted quickly, showcasing her ability to tackle any challenge. Like every athlete, she has encountered difficulties, but she views them as stepping stones to success. “To reach the top, we have to overcome challenges and see them as learning experiences,” she shares. As an underdog in the tournament, Diya played without pressure. She and her partner concentrated on delivering their best performance, which made their victory even more significant. She attributes her success to the Uttarakhand Tennis Association, her coach, and most importantly, her family. “Without my coach and family—especially my mom, dad, and younger sister—I wouldn’t be here. They are my biggest supporters.”
Diya draws inspiration from tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Watching him play fuels her motivation, but above all, it’s the unwavering support from her parents that drives her forward. Whenever she feels down, her mom and dad lift her spirits and remind her of her potential. Her ultimate dream is to compete in a Grand Slam. She knows the journey ahead will be challenging, but she confidently states, “If I keep working hard, then surely this dream will come true.” She hopes to keep improving, step by step, and one day represent India on the biggest tennis stage in the world.
For young athletes, Diya’s advice is straightforward: “Never give up, no matter how tough things get.” She recognizes that the road to success is rarely easy, but with persistence and hard work, anything is achievable. This tournament has helped her identify her strengths and weaknesses, providing her with valuable insights to enhance her game. She is now determined to work even harder and push her limits. With her passion and dedication, Diya Chaudhary is bound to reach even greater milestones in the years ahead.
