With BOSM right around the corner, the BOSM English Press sat down to chat with Chitra Shukla, the Captain of the girls’ athletics team.

This BOSM, athletics events would be classified into three main categories: running, jumping, and throwing. The running events consisted of short distances (100m, 200m, and 400m), medium distances (800m), and long distances (1500m, 3k, and 5k). Throwing events included shot put, discus, and javelin, while jumping events comprised the long jump and the triple jump. Additionally, there were relays ranging from 100m to 400m.

Chitra said that the team practices happened mostly in the evenings for around two to 3 hours. Apart from running, the team practised different workouts for strength training. Chitra mentioned that the team did not have a coach, even though they were offered one. She explained that the team believed that training for each player was individualistic and better executed on their own. She further mentioned that the team had been training without a coach for the past three editions of BOSM.

Reflecting on last year’s performance in the fest, Chitra mentioned that the team had won either gold or silver medals across all categories. Chitra added that the award for the Most Valuable Player also went to a team member. Regarding competition at BOSM 2024, Chitra stated that while multiple colleges like IIT Roorkee gave them competition, O.P. Jindal Global University was their main rival. 

For recruitments, the team would time interested participants’ speeds. The team had a threshold time, and if the participants failed to meet the threshold, they were not taken into the team. She further gave an example by stating that for girls’ short distance (100 m) the slowest you could be was 19 seconds. 

Chitra recalled her journey of becoming the captain of the athletics team. Initially, she was not part of the team. However, after being invited to IIT Bombay for a tournament and being one of the two participants from BITS to win a medal there, Chitra was able to join the team. Despite the hurdles, her passion for athletics and close-knit team spirit kept her motivated and made her captain.

In conclusion, Chitra advised everyone to be persistent. She emphasised the importance of ‘doing it for yourself’ and not letting obstacles bring one down. She hoped to see many at the athletics events this BOSM.