Studies never came in way to the passion of this shuttler from Uttarakhand who is pursuing graduation in SRCC college Delhi University and is here in her birth place of Haridwar these days for the ongoing four day long All India Senior doubles tourney organised by which will conclude on 29 July. Kuhu Garg, who scored 94% marks in class 12, is presently pursuing her graduation, copes up both sports and studies, making a balance between the two.
An emerging shuttler, Kuhoo Garg, won the mixed doubles in Belgium junior International tourney in 2014. Her father is IPS officer in Uttarakhand cadre and ADG Administration at present. She has been playing for the past 10 years and is tutored under Gopi Chand, the chief national coach for Indian team. She has won many national and international tournaments and attended one-month training to improve her skills in Banthongyord Badminton School (BTY), Bangkok, Thailand recently.
Sharing her views, amidst hectic matches, Kuhu says, “My father is a sportsperson himself and my mother has always encouraged me in sports. It is a good chance to be here amongst the shuttlers from across the country. We share our experiences with each other and get tips to improve the game.” Her mother Alaknanda tells that Vipassna meditation helped Kuhu to play with a focused approach and controlled manner. “When my husband used to go for badminton matches, we always took Kuhu along, and that is how her interest in the game developed from childhood,” added Alaknanda.
As many as eight players have come from Dehradun in this tourney, Rageshri, 15 is playing under 17 category and is a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya ONGC. “I started playing when I was 12 year old. I am in class 11 and keep morning time reserved for badminton practice and evening for studies.” Another player, Ishita from Summer valley school also balances between studies and sports well. Saurabh Pandey, first year student of DAV school is happy to be amongst the top players of the country and learning nuances of badminton.”
Speaking to The Pioneer the 77 year old senior most Observer from Badminton Association of India and former head of Tripura Sports Council of Manek Shah said, “I feel continuity in practice pays a lot in the life of a shuttler. Daily practice is the key to winning the game. I am the senior most person in BAI and do not play now but still the interest in game has made me the National Advisor in BAI.”
All the players were keen to witness the final matches which shall be played on Saturday.