With BOSM right around the corner, the BOSM English Press (BEP) sat down for a chat with the Girls’ Athletics Team Captain—Vithika Singh.
As a kid, Vithika was an avid sportsperson and played sports such as cricket and football. However, Vithika comes from a family of runners. While her dad and brother are decorated marathoners, Vithika found her joy in sprinting. She will participate in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and mixed relay events this coming BOSM.
Talking about her experience as a captain, Vithika says that captaincy comes with an increase in responsibility as she is now the one responsible to make sure that all the members of her squad are fit, healthy, and regular to practice. With BOSM approaching, she has had to coordinate with BOSM Controls, CoSSAc (Council of Students for Sports Activities), PCr (Publications and Correspondence) etc to ensure adequate participation and access to sporting equipment such as spikes. Vithika said that there had been some delays in procuring spikes for the team and mentioned that it is very important for the runners to be well-acquainted with running in them—not being accustomed to spikes would leave them prone to injury. Thus, the team had to make do with either their own spikes or those left behind by previous generations of BITSians. While new to handling such situations, Vithika says that she finds herself constantly learning about what it means to be the captain of the team.
As a team, the athletes have had strict training regimens that make them spend three hours a day training—an hour in the morning at the gym and two hours in the evening on the ground. While tiring, such a regimen is deemed necessary to ensure that all the athletes are fit and have the proper form—something Vithika places a lot of emphasis on. With classes throughout the day, she says that judicious use of time is required. The regimen that the team is following leaves no time for idle roaming and socialising on campus.
Vithika has found her new recruits to be enthusiastic, quick, and above all, regular to practice. She hopes that this dedication will lead to a successful venture at BOSM. While they have not had much tournament practice, the athletes are ready for the challenge that lies ahead. In parting, Vithika mentioned that the BITS community has always been supportive and is a great source of encouragement. She hopes to see as much support as possible at BOSM as it gives the team the boost that it needs.