In a sport like fencing, which is both expensive and captivating, many young Indians aspire to build their careers. Despite the challenges, Indian players, through dedication and hard work, are achieving remarkable results at global competitions. Gauri, in just 4 to 5 years, has won numerous medals, showcasing her relentless pursuit of excellence.
In an interview with Sports Champ, Gauri shared insights about her career and her future aspirations in the sport.
Switching sports early
Many athletes switch from one sport to another during the early stages of their careers, and this decision often proves beneficial. Gauri is one such athlete who transitioned from Ball Badminton to Fencing with remarkable success.
Gauri used to play Ball Badminton under the guidance of Vijay Palaskar at the Sports Zone centre while studying at Liladhar Bhojraj Chandak School. Palaskar also coached Fencing to a few budding players. Observing their skills and techniques fascinated Gauri, and she decided to pursue Fencing. At that time, she was 14 years old and in the ninth standard. Despite the academic pressure of 9th and 10th standards, her parents, both teachers, encouraged her to pursue a career in Fencing.
Overcoming initial challenges
Fencing requires a costly full kit. Initially, Gauri hired a kit for competitions. However, after she began winning medals, her parents bought her a top-quality kit. This investment marked the beginning of her journey towards national success.
For any athlete, achieving success at the national level is crucial for future career prospects. Gauri won her first medal at the national level competitions in 2018.
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Sports Champ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Sports Champ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ATHLETE AND MENTAL HEALTH
‘The Weight of Gold’ is a documentary that depicts the mental health struggles of athletes competing at the highest level of sports.
'ATHLETES ARE NOT PREPARED FOR LIFE BEYOND SPORTS CAREER'
Dr Deb Agnew is an associate professor in the College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. She teaches sociology of sports in the Bachelor of Sports and Active Recreation programme.
PARIS TRANSFORMS INTO A CITY FOR ALL
Paris is enhancing accessibility with 17 new Enhanced Accessibility Neighbourhoods, upgraded transport infrastructure, and 1,000 accessible taxis. These measures are part of a broader effort to improve mobility and ensure key services are easily reachable for everyone
Sarvesh leaps into Olympic history
Sarvesh Kushare, a high jumper from Maharashtra, made history as the first Indian to qualify for the Olympic Games in his event. Though he didn’t reach the finals, his experience in Paris has sparked hopes for future victories in upcoming Asian and World Championships.
PARIS CULTURAL OLYMPIAD
The Cultural Olympiad is a multidisciplinary artistic and cultural programme that runs before and during the Games, concluding on 8 September 2024.
Panagon's Basketball Revolution
From street courts to national recognition: How Panagon is transforming French basketball culture
Pioneering AI Initiatives for Athlete Well-being
Paris 2024 marks the first time AI has been used to provide safe online spaces for a large number of athletes competing in various sports simultaneously
No Target is Too Far
Swapnil Kusale’s story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the unyielding support of one’s mentors. His journey from a small village in Maharashtra to the Olympic podium serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country, reminding them that with the right guidance and dedication, no target is too far to hit
Epic Stories of Olympic Triumph
Explore the silver screen's portrayal of Olympic heroes with our round-up of inspiring films that showcase legendary athletes and their unforgettable moments of triumph and perseverance
HISTORY OF TRACK CYCLING
Track cycling dates back to at least 1870.