My story with sports doesn’t have a grand beginning. It started on a regular school day, in a dusty playground, with a cricket bat in one hand and endless energy in my legs.
I was in Class 6 when I first started playing seriously-or at least what felt serious back then. Whether it was cricket, table tennis, or lawn tennis, I was hooked. Every afternoon was a chance to improve, to compete, and-more than anything-to enjoy. I didn’t realize it then, but sports were slowly becoming a core part of who I am.
As I grew older, I realized that sports ignite passion-but the gym builds discipline. Training became a lifestyle. For me, it's simple: No pain, no gain. Every drop of sweat, every rep-it’s not just about the body, it’s about sharpening the mind and embracing the grind.
The world I entered was unlike anything I’d ever seen. At first, I was hyper-aware of every breath I took through the regulator, the pressure building around my ears, the way my body slowly sank into the unknown. But then, slowly, my panic gave way to awe.
By the time I hit high school, things started to click. I made it to the district level in table tennis, a moment I’ll never forget. But with every high comes a low-and mine came in 2006. I lost my very first match in the district tournament. I was crushed. For a moment, I questioned whether I was even good enough.
But that loss-it did something to me. It lit a fire. I practiced harder, showed up every single day, and pushed past my doubts. The next time I stood on that court, I didn’t just play-I fought. And I won.
College brought new opportunities and tougher opponents. But no matter what the scoreboard said, I kept playing. Because for me, it was never just about winning. It was about the friendships forged during practice, the stress that melted away with every rally, and the rhythm that sports brought into my life.
Even today, I make time to play on weekends. Whether it's cricket with friends or a quick game of TT, it's my way to hit pause, reset, and reconnect with the part of me that still feels like that kid on the playground.
"Sports has always been more than just a hobby for me-it's my reset button."
