Explicit reflexes, surging levels of adrenaline and an unwavering spirit is what marks the atmosphere at the badminton court. Having indulged in hours of rigorous practice, the girls’ badminton team is all set to take BOSM 2016 by storm.

The captain, Surbhi Dang, and Mahitha Reddy use their experience to guide the team and channelise their energy in the right direction. Having added a feather to the team’s cap in BOSM 2015, the players are brimming with strong conviction to grab gold again this year. The team is also going to referee the matches, which turns out to be a challenge in itself. In their words, fighting the competition, sustaining the pressure and being involved in management helps them evolve as individuals. The team, consisting of 6 new recruits out of a total of 8 members, is looking at a vigorous and healthy competition, with IIT Delhi coming down for the fest this year.

Players at IITs and other colleges are trained throughout the year by coaches, while most of the coaching at BITS happens right before the fest. But the players consider this to work in their favour by regularly practising the drills they learn before the fest. The players speak up about the coach, mentioning that he’s been doing a commendable job. All of them find the two-hour-long practice sessions to be a great learning experience.

The number of courts proves to be a deterrent in the training process, as the boys’ and the girls’ team are trained simultaneously. Some of the players, therefore, are kept from practising due to the non-availability of courts during practice sessions. The players find the early morning practice sessions strenuous when they have first hours. The fact that classwork is not suspended during BOSM is a source of anxiety for most of the players. A point worth noting is the determination of players to perform their best despite these problems.

All the team members share the same ideology about the role of fellow team players in bringing out the best in them. All of them point out that observations of fellow players prove to be invaluable. The other players help them improve upon their techniques, hand grips, strokes and confidence. The captain, Surbhi, very cleverly points out that it’s not always possible for a player to comprehend their opponent’s strategy and that’s where teammates come to their rescue. Thus, teamwork ensures the rectification of inconsistencies. The team anticipates splendid results this BOSM.

The pace of this sport and the precision that it demands, is exhilarating. The team is charged up to bring laurels to the institution, hoping their training and efforts bear fruit.