SHRAVANI'S PATH TO SPORTING AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE - Beyond Boundaries

Shravani Gaude celebrated as Goa's premier netball player, stands out as the sole Goan athlete to have represented her state in three distinct sports at the national level.

- Rajesh Ghadge

As Goa embarked on its women's netball campaign at the 37th National Games, Shravani brought her exceptional talent and experience to the forefront, having already showcased her prowess in Kabaddi and Lagori at the national stage. Intrigued by her remarkable journey and unwavering passion for sports, I had the privilege of meeting her to delve into her experiences, her inspiring journey, and her aspirations for the future. Here are the highlights of our conversation.

Shravani Gaude, daughter of the esteemed Art & Culture Minister Shri Govind Gaude, who also oversees the sports ministry in the state cabinet, attributes her impressive achievements to relentless dedication and hard work. Her journey into the realm of sports began in the 5th grade, spurred on by her PE teacher who recognized her potential and encouraged her to participate in various sports activities. Shravani swiftly excelled, representing her school in Kho Kho and Kabaddi. By the 6th grade, she seized the opportunity to compete at the national level in Lagori, a traditional Indian game known as Seven Stones, historically referenced in ancient texts and cherished across generations.

Lagori, deeply rooted in Indian culture, embodies more than just a game-it symbolises camaraderie and strategic thinking, fostering physical activity and teamwork, particularly during festivals and community gatherings.

The contemporary version of Lagori played at national and international levels has evolved from its traditional roots as a children's game. "Nowadays, we use a set of 9 pieces of Lagori for competitive play," explains Shravani, detailing the modifications. In this version, one stone is designated as the queen, and teams of six players each compete on a court. Despite these updates, the core rules of breaking the Lagori structure and using a ball remain unchanged.