By Niharika Singh
Dehradun, 7 Feb: Gymnastics will officially commence at Bhagirathi Hall of Rajeev Gandhi International Stadium on February 8, marking a significant step in promoting the sport. Gymnasts from various states have started arriving, preparing to showcase their skills and dedication.
In an exclusive conversation, Rajasthan’s gymnastics team shared their experiences and challenges in pursuing the sport. 16-year-old gymnast Malishka Sharma from Bhiwani highlighted the difficulties she faced due to the limited popularity of gymnastics in her area. “There was no proper facility for me to practice gymnastics. Despite my family’s unwavering support, I felt a void in the path to my dreams,” she said.
However, a turning point came when a basketball player visited her school and guided her towards the right training avenues. Determined towards her goal, Malishka travelled from Bhiwani to Rewari for gymnastics training. Later, due to some unavoidable circumstances, she had to move to Gurugram for further training, and she joined Nehru Stadium. She credited her mentors and her family for their immense support and encouragement throughout her journey.
When asked about the role of diet in an athlete’s performance, Malishka emphasised its significance, stating, “Apart from their work and exercises diet plays a 60% role, while the remaining 40% depends on practice and enthusiasm.”
Another young gymnast, 14-year-old Rakshita Solanki, shared her views on the state of gymnastics facilities in India. She acknowledged the sport’s gradual rise in popularity but pointed out that while some facilities are improving, they are still not entirely sufficient. “There is a lot of scope for improvement,” she remarked.
Despite their young age, both gymnasts gave a very inspiring message to aspiring athletes. They encouraged them to work hard, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams without fear of the outcome. Their stories reflect resilience, dedication, and a deep passion for gymnastics, inspiring the new generation of athletes in India.
With gymnastics gaining momentum, the commencement of training at Bhagirathi Hall marks a positive step in nurturing future talent and improving sports infrastructure in the country.
