“We kept cheering for each other”

At the 12th Late Smt. Rajeshwari Paul Inter Apeejay Short Tennis Tournament held at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, young achievers from Apeejay School, Faridabad showcased not just skill, but also resilience and teamwork. In a telephonic interaction, Class 3 students Kimora and Sharvi shared their journey with tennis, offering a glimpse into how passion, practice and positivity shape early sporting experiences.

Kimora’s love for tennis began at a very young age, inspired by the legendary Serena Williams, whose determination left a lasting impression on her. For Kimora, tennis is not just a sport but a source of excitement and self-growth. Reflecting on her doubles matches, she highlighted the importance of encouragement, sharing, “We kept cheering for each other and stayed positive even if we made mistakes.” 

Her idea of teamwork is rooted in kindness and mutual support—qualities that go beyond the court. Like many young athletes, Kimora experiences moments of nervousness, but she has learned to manage them with simple techniques like deep breathing and staying present in the game.

Over time, Kimora has seen a remarkable improvement in her performance. She now moves faster on the court, executes better shots and feels more confident during matches. However, her learning journey continues. She aims to strengthen her backhand and develop greater composure during challenging situations. Her story reflects how early exposure to sports not only builds physical skills but also nurtures emotional resilience and discipline.88

Sharvi, on the other hand, began her tennis journey in Class 1, driven by a simple reason, her love for the game. “It is my favourite game because it feels easy and fun,” she shared. Unlike Kimora’s doubles experience, Sharvi primarily played singles matches, which helped her develop independence and focus. Interestingly, Sharvi associates joy with every aspect of the sport, from playing shots to even organising tennis balls, highlighting her natural enthusiasm and comfort with the game.

What stands out about Sharvi is her mindset. Instead of feeling nervous before matches, she feels excited – an attitude that gives her an edge on the court. She credits her initial learning to her friends, who introduced her to the sport and encouraged her to try it. Since then, her interest has only grown stronger. 

While she feels confident about her current skills, her journey reflects how curiosity and enjoyment can be powerful motivators in a child’s development.