‘Apeejay gave me academic education & flexibility to follow my dreams’

At 4 am, while most of Charkhi Dadri is still asleep, Srishti Sreshta is already warming up. By 7:30 she is heading to school, by 4:15 pm, she is back on the ground. She has followed this schedule for three years. This season it paid off: the Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri student won silver in the Under-14 triathlon and earned direct selection to the Nationals, where she will represent Haryana. 

We spoke to her about the race, the routine behind it, and why she believes sports and studies strengthen each other.

Tell us about yourself.

I am passionate about athletics, especially discus throw and shot put. Sports have taught me discipline, confidence and perseverance. I believe in challenging myself, learning new skills and giving my best in everything I do. My next goal is to perform well at the National level and make my school and Haryana proud.

How does it feel like winning the silver medal in the triathlon?

I feel extremely happy and proud. Winning silver in the AFI competition and securing direct selection for the Nationals is a very special moment for me. It is the result of my coach’s guidance and the constant support of my school and family. It has motivated me to aim higher and work even harder.

Can you take us through the competition? What were the stages, and how challenging was it?

The competition was organised by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Triathlon Group B had three events: the 60-metre sprint, the long jump and the back throw. My overall performance earned me second position and a silver medal. The first- and second-place finishers qualified directly for the National level, so I am excited to represent Haryana at the Nationals.

At what point did you feel you had a real chance of a medal?

After I did well in the 60-metre sprint and the long jump, I started feeling confident.  It was challenging because my main specialisation is in throwing events, but my coach told me to focus on the basics, especially speed, take-off and landing. His guidance helped me perform confidently in all three events.

How competitive was the field, and what helped you finish among the top performers?

The competition was quite tough because every participant was a talented athlete giving their best. I believe my determination, regular practice and willingness to learn helped me. My coach’s guidance also played a very important role. I focused on my own performance instead of worrying about the competition.

How did you get introduced to the triathlon, and what attracted you to it?

My main events are discus throw and shot put, but under the Under-14 AFI format those events were not part of the programme for my category. So I got the chance to take part in Triathlon Group B. I started out because my throwing events weren’t included, but I gradually realised it was a great opportunity to challenge myself beyond my specialisation. It taught me that an athlete should always be ready to learn, adapt and explore new possibilities.

What does your daily training routine look like?

My day starts at 4 am with a morning workout. I usually finish by 7 or 7:30 am and then get ready for school. After I get home at around 2:15 pm, I rest a little and use the time before my evening training to finish my homework, revise and study. I leave for training at 4:15 pm. and return around 7 or 7:30 pm. Then I have dinner, finish any pending schoolwork and prepare for the next day. I usually go to bed by 10 pm.

I have followed this workout and training schedule consistently for the last three years. Saturday evenings and Sundays are my rest time from ground practice, so my body can recover.

My parents play a very important role in my journey. My father takes me to the ground every day. My mother makes sure I get proper nutrition and keeps my daily routine balanced, and she takes care of what I need for both sports and studies. Their combined efforts motivate me to work harder and stay focused on my goals.

How do you balance academics, assignments and rigorous training?

It comes down to discipline, planning and time management. I follow a routine, complete my assignments on time and make the best use of my study hours. I am fortunate to study at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, where the Principal and teachers are very supportive of students who play sports. Our Principal Sir knows the students personally and takes an interest in our sporting journeys. He regularly asks me about my preparation and whether I need any support from the school. The school arranges extra classes whenever required, and my teachers are always ready to guide me with my studies.

A school that understands and supports a sportsperson’s journey makes a huge difference. Apeejay has given me not just academic education but also the encouragement and flexibility to follow my sporting dreams.

You will now represent Haryana at the Nationals. What are your expectations and preparations?

Qualifying directly for the Nationals by finishing second is a matter of immense pride for me. I am now preparing for all three events, the 60-metre sprint, long jump and back throw, and working on my speed, technique and overall performance under my coach’s guidance.

I know the National level will bring tougher competition, but I am excited about the opportunity. My aim is to give my best, gain valuable experience and make my school and Haryana proud.

What is one misconception people have about pursuing sports alongside academics?

One common misconception is that sports take time away from studies and hurt academic performance. I strongly believe that sports and academics complement each other. Sports teach us discipline, time management, teamwork, leadership and determination, and those qualities help us in our studies too. With proper planning and dedication, students can excel in both fields. Sports do not come in the way of education; they prepare us for life.