“A little progress each day adds up to big results”
Apeejay Mahavir Marg shuttlers have once again brought laurels to the school. The popular trio of badminton aces: Ishaan Sharma, Manya Ralhan and Liza Tank have all secured the first position in the Punjab State badminton championship held from October 26 -31.
Class 9 student Ishaan Sharma won the first position in the under-15 boys singles and doubles categories. Speaking about his experience in the competitive event, he said, “There were 128 players participating from all districts of Punjab. I played a total of seven matches till the final. It was a very competitive tournament and it was at its toughest during the semi-final and final matches. The semi-final match went up till the third set. It was very tough”.
Elaborated Sharma, “I have been preparing for this tournament for a year but the last two months of training were crucial. I did an hour of running, sprints and gym training, especially some wrist exercises. I also increased my intake of proteins”. He further stated, “The school teachers helped me cover up academically whenever I could not attend a class due to the practice sessions. I am focused on performing well in the nationals now.”
Manya Ralhan, a student of class 10, secured the first position in under-17 girls doubles and mixed doubles categories. She also bagged the third position in singles under-17 category. She said, “It was a very good experience for me. It was an explosive tournament with so many good players competing from all over Punjab. I felt very happy and satisfied after winning such a tough tournament. It was very hectic as well. I had to play 5 matches consecutively on the final day.”
About her training routine, Ralhan said, “I had early morning training sessions from 5-7 AM. Then another session from 9-12 and then a final session from 6- 8:30 in the evening. I worked a lot on my attack and defence for this tournament.” She added, “The school provided me with notes whenever I could not attend a match due to the tournament. I felt very encouraged.”
Liza Tank won the first position in the Under-17 girls’ doubles category. She also bagged the second position in the under-17 mixed doubles category.
Speaking about the tournament she said, “It was a very good tournament. I met some wonderful coaches there. During the lockdown everyone improved their game, so this tournament gave us all an opportunity to test our skills. I played some 8-9 matches in this tournament.” She added, “I had a very rigorous training regime for this tournament. Training sessions began in the morning from 5-7AM. I had another session from 10-3 in the afternoon and a final session from 6-7 in the evening. It included game practice, gym training, strength, agility training everything.”
“Sports shapes the personality of a student. It teaches us discipline, courage, fortitude and commitment. I congratulate my students on their remarkable achievement and wish them the best for their future targets”
-Girish Kumar, Principal, Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg