Faridabad’s Judo whiz kid strikes silver medal

In the world of sports, the core principle is to persist and never give up. It’s a domain where surrender is not an option, athletes continually challenge their boundaries and the quest for victory underscores the unwavering spirit that drives them. Myrah Mukesh Gupta, a talented student from Class V in Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21- D, is one such example. She recently made waves in the world of Judo.

Her remarkable achievements include an outstanding performance in the CBSE North Zone Judo Championship where she demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, ultimately securing the second position and earning a well-deserved silver medal. Myrah’s journey embodies the courage that courses through the veins of students and sports persons alike, illuminating their paths with resolve and fierce determination. Read on to know more about the prodigy’s story…

How it started

Myrah’s journey in Judo started during COVID-19. With many activities and social interactions put on hold, she sought a new way to stay active and engaged. She recalled the beginning of her journey by saying, “During the lockdown, my mother decided to enroll me in Judo. I started learning it quickly and felt motivated to do better in no time.”

Adding to this, Mrs. Gunjan Mukesh Gupta, mother of the child said, “Her coach is a resident of our society. When he initiated coaching for children during the health crisis, I immediately agreed. I simply wanted Myrah to engage in physical activities. Thankfully for us, the results were evident soon.” This was just an establishment of Myrah’s potential. At the start of the journey itself, her abilities were visible to all.

Making it big

Despite facing numerous obstacles, this budding talent has persevered. Her most daunting challenge, the leg injury, posed a major setback. However, this year, when she clinched the silver medal, it was a triumphant moment that surpassed all other emotions she had ever experienced. Myrah expressed her feelings, saying, “Winning it felt nice and made me happy. It’s a great feeling.”

When discussing her daughter’s remarkable victory, Mrs. Gupta couldn’t help but swell with pride. She chimed in saying, “Witnessing her victory was indeed a wonderful experience. I was concerned and anxious for her, especially since she had suffered a ligament injury during the same event the previous year. She was also nervous this time, but despite that, she performed remarkably well. When she secured the bronze, her confidence grew, and eventually, she won the silver medal. It was a moment of pride for us.”

Beyond challenges

In addition to the hurdles she had already encountered, Myrah also had to confront an objection from her opponent’s coach during the match. Nevertheless, the young fighter’s spirit remained unshaken, and she continued to give her all.

Speaking of the incident Mrs. Gunjan exclaimed, “Just before the fight began, and the opponent’s coach raised an objection, suspecting that Myrah was over the weight and height limit. However, upon re-evaluation, the objection proved to be unfounded, and the fight proceeded.” Myrah recalled, “It was quite intimidating for me initially.”

Staying fit

Given that Judo is an exceptionally demanding and physically challenging sport, it becomes paramount to uphold a disciplined routine. The maintenance of a consistent regimen is crucial for both physical fitness and skill development in the world of Judo. But despite having a lot of strength Myrah remained on the lighter side of the weight which was a point of concern for her mother. Mrs. Gupta mentioned, “Initially, I was concerned about her muscle strength, but she managed it exceptionally well.”

She continued, “Myrah now follows a strict routine, practicing from 7 to 9 pm daily, and she also has morning sessions during tournaments. Her training includes physical exercises. I focus on regulating her fiber and protein intake, as sports demand a lot of energy.”

Future aspirations

Myrah’s consistent success and accomplishments serve as a strong indicator of her promising future in Judo. Her mother shared her aspirations by stating, “Currently, our main focus is on the upcoming national tournament. Myrah participated last year but couldn’t secure a victory due to her injury.”

She said, “Currently, she competes in the 25 kg category, but we aim to increase her weight and strength to reach the 35 kg category, which will open up more opportunities for her in other tournaments. Her dedication to her studies also eases our worries.”

Inspired by the best

Myrah’s journey thus far tells a story of unwavering dedication and an immense passion for her sport, which serves as a true source of inspiration for kids her age. It exemplifies how hard work, perseverance, and a love for what you do can lead to remarkable achievements.

When asked about her inspiration the student said, “My mother has been my source of inspiration. However, I now consider myself my inspiration.” Her mother agreed, “Myrah is truly her own inspiration. She continuously works on improving her flexibility, revisits the techniques she learns in Judo, and keeps herself motivated by her own set of strengths.”

This indomitable spirit is a testament to her unwavering self-assurance and determination, which are the driving forces behind her achievements. It illustrates that Myrah’s confidence is not just a reflection of her skill but also of her resilience in the face of challenges.

Spreading awareness

Observing the confidence instilled in this young girl through her involvement in the sport, and considering the escalating crime rates in our society, it becomes evident that providing self-defense training to every child is a necessary and prudent measure. Such training empowers children with essential skills, ensuring their safety and self-assurance in an increasingly challenging world.

Mrs Gupta expressed, “I wholeheartedly believe that every child, whether a girl or a boy, should be encouraged to learn Judo or some form of self-defense. It not only boosts their confidence but also makes them mentally stronger. Injuries may happen, but they eventually heal. Parents should understand that it toughens kids and makes them stronger in the long run.”

Food for thought

Myrah’s shared advice for her peers, “If you have an interest in any sport, pursue it wholeheartedly. In tournaments, give your best because it’s not just about winning or losing; even in defeat, you’ll find yourself getting stronger and working even harder.”