Para-athletes face immense challenges in their journey to success. For specially-abled players, the path to glory is strewn with obstacles that test their determination and resilience. Pooja Ojha, a para canoeing player, has not only faced these challenges head-on but has also emerged victorious, achieving fame for India on the global stage. With her dream of representing her country at the Olympic Games now within reach, Ojha aims for nothing less than a podium finish, reflecting her unyielding spirit and dedication.
The 38-year-old athlete from Madhya Pradesh has clinched 10 international medals and remains unbeatable at the national level since 2017. Her impressive performances position her as a formidable contender for a medal at the upcoming Paralympic Games. Ojha's journey to success has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being born with an 80% locomotor disability due to polio, she has shattered barriers and proved her mettle in para canoeing.
Born with an 80% locomotor disability due to polio, Pooja faced significant hardships from a young age. Raised in Bhind, where girls often struggle to pursue education, her journey was even more challenging. Her parents, despite their limited financial resources and having six children, encouraged all their children to pursue education and their interests. They played a crucial role in nurturing Pooja's talent and ambition, enabling her to chase her dreams against all odds.
Pooja's achievements are not just a testament to her skill in para canoeing but also her indomitable will. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and the support of a loving family in overcoming life's toughest challenges. As she prepares for the Paralympics Games, the nation looks forward to witnessing her achieve new heights and bring home a medal, celebrating the spirit of resilience that she embodies.
Overcoming the fear
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DREAMING OF A BIG 'CHASE'
Kho Kho, India's thrilling indigenous sport, is chasing an Olympic dream. With the success of the inaugural Kho Kho World Championship, which saw participation from 20 nations, hopes are high for its inclusion in global sporting events.
THE KING OF POOL
Nurturing talent is a journey fraught with challenges, more so when it involves the sacrifices of a single mother. In India, there are countless inspiring stories of mothers who have gone above and beyond to shape their children into international athletes. Among these remarkable women stands VJ Shantymol, a former international athlete who defied the odds to guide her son, Olympian swimmer Sajan Prakash, to unparalleled heights in the world of competitive swimming.
RISING STAR
India is steadily cementing its place as a global chess superpower, with young talents like D. Gukesh and WGM Vantika Agarwal leading the charge. While Gukesh upholds Viswanathan Anand's legacy, Vantika, at just 22, shines as a trailblazer among women players, with her recent Arjuna Award and Chess Olympiad gold medal underscoring her rise to prominence.
Developing a mindset as vital as physical fitness
Sports Champ recently organised a workshop titled Psychology in Sports, conducted by Dr Swaroop Savanur, a Mental Conditioning and Peak Performance Coach. Dr Savanur, a senior sports psychology consultant and founder of MyMental Coach, covered various aspects during the session. Here are some key highlights from the workshop:
AVOID EARLY SPECIALISATION
Dr Jean Cote, a professor and director of the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University at Kingston in Canada speaks about sports psychology and says experiencing multiple sports not only enhances your physical and mental abilities but also allows you to find the one you are truly passionate about. Excerpts:
SPORTS GADGETS
Sports gadgets are transforming the way athletes train, recover, and enjoy their favourite activities.
The journey of pickleball in India
In 2007, pickleball was introduced to India by Sunil Valavalkar, who recognised the potential of this dynamic sport.
Every sport needs its HEROES
Arvind Prabhoo, president of AIPA and IPF feels that India's performance at the recently concluded World Pickleball Championship (WPC) series has created a new wave of role models.
'Talent is not the only defining factor in sports'
Dr Joe Baker is the Tannenbaum Researcher in Sports Science, Data Modelling, and Sports Analytics at the University of Toronto, Canada.
NEW ERA IN INDIAN CHESS
Every child who takes up Chess dreams of becoming the World Champion. On 12 December 2024, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju achieved this. His historic triumph in the 2024 World Cheess Championship Match not only crowned him the youngest undisputed World Champion but also ushered in a new era of hope and possibilities for Indian Chess
