I began practicing in 2020, looking for a way to stay active and focused during a challenging time of Covid 19. I learned every single thing wushu offered, not knowing where it would take me. The early days were very difficult. Learning the moves was very tough, and I had to build my strength and flexibility. I had a mission to keep improving.
I spent hours practicing and over the time, I started to get better. After a year of hard work, I stepped foot in the ring in my first district-level competition, I was a bit nervous, hesitant but excited too because this event was going to to prove my ability to achieve. And, I did it. I proudly walked away with a gold medal around my neck. It felt amazing to see how far I had come, but I was not done yet.
Getting the first gold energised me more and I concentrated more firmly on my practice. After another year of hard work, I entered my second district competition. I once again walked out of the stadium with a gold medal. 2023 was here and I couldn’t imagine that this would be my best year in Wushu. Another district I won a gold medal Making it a hatrick of gold medals in a district.
In December 2023, I went to a state level competition that was held in Jammu. It was the first time in my life that I was travelling without my Mom. We all athletes travelled from Srinagar to Jammu. The competition was much tougher, with many experienced people in the fray. I didn’t win a gold, but I still walked out with a bronze medal showing the people that I can perform on a bigger stage too.
It felt amazing to see how far I had come. Looking back over these years, I’ve learned about hard work, self-belief, consistency are what matters the most and I’ll never forget these years of my life and I want to specially thank my coaches for excellent guidance and my Mom who enrolled me for this amazing sport.
- The writer is a student of 6th
