‘The coaches at school are very kind and encouraging’

Bringing immense pride to Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Class 9 student Mayra Sharma has clinched the Gold Medal in the Under-17 Girls category at the Jalandhar District Wushu Championship 2025, held under the aegis of the Punjab School Education Board. Passionate, disciplined, and inspired by her mother, a national-level Taekwondo player, Mayra is determined to balance her love for sports with her academic pursuits. In this conversation, she shares her inspiring journey, preparation strategy, and message for fellow students.

Read edited excerpts:

Mayra, congratulations on your incredible achievement! How did you feel when you won the gold medal?

Thank you so much! Honestly, I was very nervous before my match, but at the same time, I was confident that I would give my 100%. When my name was announced as the winner, I felt blessed and honoured. It was such a proud moment for me and my family.

That’s wonderful! What inspired you to take up Wushu as a sport?

My biggest inspiration is my mom. She was a national-level Taekwondo player and has always motivated me to be strong and confident. Seeing her passion for martial arts made me want to follow in her footsteps.

How do you usually prepare for championships like this?

I practice every day for one and a half to two hours. In the morning, I focus on upper body training, and in the evening, I work on my lower body strength. I’ve been training for about one and a half years now with complete dedication.

You mentioned your coaches have played an important role. Could you tell us more about their support?

Yes, absolutely! The coaches at Apeejay Schools, both Mahavir Marg and Tanda Road are very kind and encouraging. Even when I was studying at Tanda Road, my sports coach there motivated me a lot and guided me throughout my journey.

How do you manage to balance academics with sports?

I believe studies and sports should go hand in hand. Both are equally important. I plan my day in such a way that I can give time to both, whether it’s practicing in the morning or studying later. I want to be an all-rounder!

Apart from Wushu, what other interests do you have?

I really enjoy athletics, especially shot put, and I’ve also won medals in it. In academics, I love subjects like Chemistry and Biology, particularly the experimental parts.

What advice would you like to give to other students who want to pursue sports seriously?

I would say – go for it! Sports are not just for fitness; they teach discipline, focus, and time management. They also open up great career opportunities. Just stay consistent and believe in yourself.