On the eve of India’s 68th Independence Day, the nation has seen heroes being formed right from the world of sports to politics and business.
On the eve of India’s 68th Independence Day, the nation has seen heroes being formed right from the world of sports to politics and business.
Even though, the ‘big names’ have dominated the headlines for over a large periods of time, it’s time the understudy got recognition as well. We are trying to highlight the sportsmen and sportswomen who have struggled throughout their careers and still continue to fight but under the cosh.
These sports personalities might NOT have the financial backing but still proudly wear the tricolour on their sleeves:
Shiva Keshavan (Luger)
The Manali-born Shiva Keshavan is India’s only representative in the much anticipated Winter Olympics. Keshavan has been plying his trade in the Luge category, making his debut in the Olympic Games at Negano, Japan as a 16-year-old. Not only this, he is also the first Indian and the youngest-ever to take part in luge in Winter Olympics. Even though having Italian descent (mother is Italian), Shiva was offered to represent Italy but chose the country of his birth.
Oinam Bembem Devi (Football)
Football in India is given very little importance especially with the dominance of cricket around but that didn’t stop Oinam Bembem Devi from adapting it. At a tender age of 15, Oinam did what others couldn’t, as she made her international debut for India’s women’s football team in 1995. She has gone to represent the national side thrice in 2003, 2010 and 2012 as the captain and hopes to be a coach after retirement. Midfielder by trade, Oinam is the first woman from Manipur to have bagged the title of ‘Best Footballer’ (2). Not only this, she also won the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the year 2001 and 2013.
Ankita Raina (Tennis)
Currently ranked 262 in the world, Indian tennis sensation Ankita Raina is the next superstar in the making. With the likes of Sania Mirza and Leander Paes as idols, Raina has been in the forefront of Indian tennis for a while. Not only this, Ankita has been receiving help from the current PM Narendra Modi as far as financial help is concerned.
Anirban Lahiri (Golf)
Golf in India might be recognised through the likes of Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal, but here come the future. Anirban Lahiri is today’s India’s brightest hopes on the world stage and is already rubbing shoulders alongside Tiger Woods. Even though he is ranked 86th in the world, the third-highest ranked Asian on the list, Lahiri still hopes to take this sport ahead especially in India and dreams of winning a gold at the Olympics especially after golf was included.
The above sport persons might not appear in the advertisements and in your magazine front-covers but their pride lies in taking this country ahead in the respective field of sports and most importantly, unfurl the tricolour and say ‘Jai Hind’!
