Apeejay School, Nerul, is proud to nurture not only academic achievers but also sports enthusiasts, who excel at national and international levels. Ishaan Singh, a Class 12 Commerce student, epitomises this blend of academic dedication and athletic prowess. In a telephonic interview, the Apeejay student shared insights into his journey, challenges, and aspirations, providing a glimpse into the life of a young athlete who is poised to represent India on the Asian stage.
Read edited excerpts:
Ishaan, can you tell us about how you started your journey in weightlifting and powerlifting?
My journey began about a year ago when I met my coach at a gym. He introduced me to the sport, and I developed a keen interest in it. I started practising regularly, and soon enough, I was participating in competitions like the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Weightlifting Tournament. It all escalated quickly from there, and I’ve been fortunate to achieve some good results early on.
What have been your major achievements in these sports so far?
I represented Apeejay School, Nerul at the SGFI National Weightlifting Tournament in Patna this February, where I placed 6th overall and received a scholarship from SGFI. Recently, I competed for Team Maharashtra at the National Powerlifting Championship in Patiala and secured third place with one silver and three bronze medals. Now, I’ve been selected to represent India in the Asian Championship next year.
Balancing academics and sports must be challenging. How do you manage it?
It’s definitely tough to manage both, especially being in the senior-most class. I had to create a strict schedule, dedicating specific hours to training and studies. My school has been incredibly supportive, allowing me to retake exams I missed and accommodating my attendance needs. This support has been crucial in managing both commitments effectively.
Can you describe the support you’ve received from Apeejay School?
Apeejay has been very supportive. They’ve helped manage my attendance and allowed me to retake missed exams at my convenience. The teachers are very understanding and help me catch up on missed lessons. This kind of support makes a significant difference when trying to balance sports and academics.
What challenges did you face while preparing for national tournaments?
The main challenge was balancing sports with academics. Managing time efficiently was key. I had to wake up early, around 5 am, to study and catch up on schoolwork. After school, I’d rest for a couple of hours before heading to practice. It’s a hectic schedule, but necessary to excel in both areas.
How do you feel about representing India in the upcoming Asian Championship?
Representing India is a dream come true. It’s an indescribable feeling, something every athlete aspires to. Competing at the international level is a huge honour, and I’m very excited about the opportunity.
Who inspires you in your sporting journey?
Neeraj Chopra is a big inspiration for me. He’s a self-made athlete who achieved Olympic success through sheer hard work and determination. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved with focus and dedication.
What advice would you give to students who want to pursue sports alongside their studies?
Time management and discipline are crucial. It’s important to balance both academics and sports. If you can manage your time well, you can excel in both. Consistency and teamwork are also vital. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your school and teachers; their support can make a significant difference.
Besides weightlifting and powerlifting, what are your other interests?
I enjoy playing computer games and basketball in my free time. These activities help me relax and unwind from my rigorous training and study schedule.
Do you see weightlifting and powerlifting as your future career?
While I’m passionate about these sports, I also have other career aspirations. I’m interested in becoming a chartered accountant or an investment banker. For now, I’m keeping weightlifting and powerlifting as a passion, but who knows what the future holds.
For admission enquiry, please contact:
Apeejay School, Sector-15, Nerul , Navi Mumbai – 400 706
Admission Helpline Number: 91-22-27703635 | +91 7303096829
Email: skool.nrl.by@apj.edu