This 7 year old performs martial arts with a spear

Pahal Kabadwal, class 3 student with Apeejay School, Greater Noida may well be young in age but is certainly not so in martial arts valour. The seven-year-old recently participated in the state and national Wushu championships and secured a silver and gold medal in the Qiangshu (martial arts with spear) Group C tournament and Khelo India tournaments respectively. In an exclusive interview, the young martial artist gives an insight into her training regimen, diet and practice schedule as well as thanks the school for its support. Read edited excerpts:

Tell us about your experience in the Wushu tournaments?

In Qiangshu event, the player has to fight using a spear. The war techniques of previous centuries are used in Wushu as a sport and discipline. There is only one round and every participant has to try to get the maximum point. If s/he scores less than five points, then they are disqualified. The highest one can score is ten. Pahal scored 6.3 points. She got the silver medal here. In Khelo India, she was the gold medallist in without weapon martial arts group.

Since when are you learning Wushu?

I started learning Wushu in December 2021 and it has been eight months now. I was in class 2 then.

How did you start learning Wushu?

My parents enrolled me in the Wushu academy near my home. That is when I gained an interest in this form of martial arts. 

Tell us about your training regimen?

I go to the academy from 5 to 8 in the evening. I warm up and then after a water break I do running. Following which, I start with Wushu exercises as well as drills and lastly spend some time cooling down before going home. I practice for 3 hours daily. My father also joins me during the warm up and running drills. Then he uses the gym while I train in Wushu under my coach. 

What is your favourite Wushu move?

Mapu is my favourite move. In this, I have to hold myself in the squat position while holding the big exercise ball. I also like the front roll.

What do you include in your diet?

I focus on both vegetarian as well as a non-vegetarian diet. Chicken, rajma, paneer are alternatively part of my diet. My father always ensures that I take a protein-rich diet.

How does your school encourage you to shine in Wushu?

The school provided me a leave when I went to Shimla to participate in the National Wushu competition. Principal ma’am has been very encouraging since the beginning and is supporting us in every way.