With BOSM just around the corner, the BOSM English Press sat down with the Girls’ Lawn Tennis captain Rajeshwari Chauhan to talk about the team, the format of the game, and their prospects this year.
Rajeshwari informed that the team had started preparing as early as September. The training usually comprises warm-up sessions, followed by drills and working on their fitness. The team had kept in mind the upcoming tournament and kept up with their training during the semester break. They practice from 6 PM till as late as 9 PM. They were able to extend their training time in GymG by getting the closing time changed from 8 PM to 10 PM with the help of the SU. In the weeks leading up to BOSM, Rajeshwari said that the team has focused on building up their stamina by increasing their cardio quota, incorporating exercises like shuttle runs, and increasing the number of rounds run around GymG.
Rajeshwari did not require much thought when asked about rivals before naming Delhi University (DU) as their toughest competitor owing to the sports quota. Additionally, she mentioned that the team won gold in the tournament held at IIT Kanpur under her leadership and was preparing well to overthrow their long-time rivals.
She talked about inventory issues the team had faced in the past, which the Sports Council has now resolved. She also mentioned having some grievances regarding coaching and guidance for the team. Citing the lack of interest among girls to participate in tennis, the team did not have many freshers to recruit from, however, she said that the team was confident in participating with the existing recruits. She added that the new recruits have a lot to learn.
Rajeshwari is currently a third-year student in the Department of Economics. Although she started as a badminton player, Rajeshwari felt inclined to pursue tennis as she considered it a ‘royal sport’ and worked her way to being the current captain. She excitedly mentioned how playing tennis alongside focusing on academics and attending classes made her happy. ‘My life is incomplete without tennis’, said a beaming Rajeshwari.
When asked how she balances her life between sports and academics, Rajeshwari said that she tries to devote equal time to both. That, however, comes at the cost of sacrificing one’s social life, which she waives off as an opportunity cost.
She expressed that being a captain is not always fun as one has to take care of timings, training, accommodation for the visiting players, and overall team management. On top of that, there is ample pressure as a captain to perform and set an example. ‘Working harder than the rest and being consistent’ is Rajeshwari’s mantra. On a concluding note, Rajeshwari seemed confident about the team’s performance in the upcoming BOSM.