Apeejay School, Noida students excel in CBSE Cluster XIX Badminton Tournament

At Apeejay School, Noida, students are constantly encouraged to pursue excellence in both academics and co-curricular activities. This spirit of determination and sportsmanship was showcased when the school’s Under-14 Girls’ Badminton Team clinched the 3rd position at the CBSE Cluster XIX Badminton Tournament, held at The International School, Agra. The young shuttlers displayed grit, teamwork, and focus, making their school proud. The two team members, Shivi Aggarwal (Class 7C) and Samanvi Chandra (Class 8E) share about their journey, inspiration, and future goals.

“Badminton is my dream” – Shivi Aggarwal, Class 7C

For Shivi Aggarwal, badminton is not just a sport, but a dream she is chasing with passion. Inspired by her idol, PV Sindhu, Shivi recalls how she first developed an interest in the game after watching matches on television. “I began playing casually with my father when I was around 5 or 6, but I started playing seriously only a year ago,” she shared.

Balancing sports and studies, Shivi dedicates nearly three hours daily to badminton practice. Her favorite shot is the smash, reflecting her attacking style of play, while teamwork remains her biggest takeaway from being on court. “We were extremely happy to secure 3rd position because no one expected it. That victory gave us confidence,” she said with a smile. Already the winner of five medals in district and local tournaments, Shivi has also competed at the state level. With her eyes set on international badminton, she dreams of representing India on the global stage.

“Strategy is the key to winning” – Samanvi Chandra, Class 8E

For Class 8 student, Samanvi Chandra, badminton has been a part of her life since the age of six, when she first joined her peers on the court. She has been pursuing it seriously since Class 6. With five notable achievements in school and external tournaments, Samanvi also balances her academic schedule with two hours of daily practice.

Reflecting on the recent CBSE tournament, she said, “The most memorable moment was Round 4. It was very tough, but we won by just a few points. That victory felt very special.” Like her teammate, her favorite shot is the smash, which she finds both powerful and satisfying. Interestingly, Samanvi is also a chess player, having won a state-level chess tournament, which she feels helps sharpen her strategic thinking in badminton. Looking up to PV Sindhu as her role model, Samanvi aspires to win medals at national and international levels, aiming to make her school and country proud.