From the sidelines to the national team: Cricketer Laasya Mullapudi wants to win it all for the USA
Written by: Team GI Youth
(October 31, 2023) Her journey started when she would accompany her father to pick up her brother from the local cricket academy. Realising her passion for the sport, Laasya Mullapudi’s father enrolled her in the California Cricket Academy as well. At the age of 12, the young cricketer had a dream of representing her country, which later came true for the young left-handed top-order batter as she got hand-picked for the USA Under-19 squad. Currently playing as the team’s vice-captain, Laasya is inspired by Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and dedicated her recent century to her.
“My plan for a possible professional cricket career is to play in bigger leagues, such as WIPL and BBL, as well as The Hundred,” the cricketer said in a recent interview, “The recently held ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup at South Africa has been a great tournament for me, and it greatly benefited me as well as the team. It was quite significant for the USA and the development of the sport in this country. I am looking forward to representing the USA in such a big tournament going ahead, and winning big.”
On the front foot
Her parents moved to California in the late 90s in search of better opportunities. Laasya, who finds her father to be the most critical figure and her mentor, was always an outdoor girl. “I got involved in cricket by watching my brother play and attending his practice sessions and games,” the cricketer said in an interview, adding, “I began playing cricket for the California Cricket Academy (CCA) and currently play them. I started playing when I was 12 years old. Throughout my journey, my father has been one of the most influential people in my life. I enjoy speaking to and learning the game from him. He has been by my side throughout my career and knows my playing style and mentality the best.”
Laasya with her team
Just a year into the academy, the young cricketer was picked to play a local team, where she took her team to victory. And that was her pass to the national team. But, cricket isn’t the only sport this champion plays. Growing up in a family of sportspersons, Laasya played several sports at school. “I love to play sports. During my time away from cricket, I represent my school in badminton and run in my free time. I am still a student and attend school and participate in several school activities. However, I must admit that if I were not playing cricket, I would continue playing badminton,” the cricketer said.
Training at the CCA, the cricketer has been working hard on her bowling skills as well. Incidentally a right-arm leg spinner, Laasya is on the course to serve her team as an all-rounder. “Every team needs a good all-rounder. I have proven myself with the bat and now I am working on my bowling skills. It’s hard, but I think I can learn the skill, which will help my team better.”
Batting for her country
Lassi, as her teammates call her, feels an urgent need to attract more young cricket players to the USA. “Cricket should be incorporated in schools starting from a younger age and offered as a sport in colleges. Spreading cricket throughout the school system will automatically help attract female cricketers in the USA. I feel that several young players have the potential to do good at the international level. As a nation which is just entering the international scene, I feel USA schools should work on training these young talents,” the cricketer said.
Talking about her future plans and inspiration, she said, “I have attempted to model my innings based on India’s female national cricketer, Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana’s innings. As someone who is quite dedicated, I am looking to score a century in the upcoming ICC tournament, Another achievement would be to score a half-century in under twelve overs.”
(November 10, 2023) Maryland-based Vayun Amula wears many hats at the tender age of 15. The freshman at Poolesville High School is an integral part of Rise N Shine, the youth-led initiative aimed to tackle the effects of food waste through composting and food recovery programmes. Outside of school and community activities, he is a state level cricket player in Maryland and has a knack for innovation to solve problems. The youngster excels in all his many interests and has earned many awards and accolades for his accomplishments. He received the Governor's Youth Service Award 2023, and the President's Volunteer Service Award (Gold) in 2022. In Maryland’s official qualifying tournaments of the First Lego League, Vayun and his team managed to earn the first position becoming the recipients of the Innovation Project Award in 2022. Another big achievement came one year prior, when Vayun led a team to bag the first position in the Robert Design Awards and also the Core Values Awards in that year’s first Lego League tournament in Maryland state. [caption id="attachment_34019" align="aligncenter" width="694"] Vayun Amula[/caption] “I manage my cricket, studies, volunteerism, and other activities by sticking to a schedule,” the youngster says, as he connects with Global
“I manage my cricket, studies, volunteerism, and other activities by sticking to a schedule,” the youngster says, as he connects with Global Indian. Once he returns from school his afternoons and evenings, from three to 10 pm, are a choc-a-block with activities as he works to meet the demands of his multiple interests.
Managing food waste to avert climate change
The United States discards more food than any other country in the world. Every year in United States, approximately 31% (133 billion pounds) of the overall food supply is wasted by consumers and retailers, as per the estimates of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS). The wasted food is either dumped in landfills or burned in trash incinerators. This leads to 18% of the US’ total methane emissions that come from landfills, resulting in global warming and impacting food security and resource conservation.
Vayun found inspiration in his elder sister, Shrusti Amula, the founder of the non-profit, Rise N Shine Foundation, who earned the prestigious title of L’Oreal’s 'Woman of Worth' honouree this year. Witnessing her dedication and the significant impact his sister’s work was making, Vayun decided to become a part of the organisation himself.
[caption id="attachment_34020" align="aligncenter" width="683"] One of Rise N Shine’s food collection drives[/caption]
“I became a part of the Rise N Shine Foundation in 2020, when my sister explained the pressing problems in the world, such as food wastage, climate change and homelessness. Her passion for addressing these issues compelled me to join non-profit as the COO (Chief Operating Officer). I am committed to working with the foundation's dedicated team to make a positive impact on these critical challenges,” he says.
Innovation and awards
Vayun’s dedication to the cause did not go unnoticed and this year he received the Governor's Youth Service Award, a state-level recognition program that honours young individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work and service initiatives. This award aims to acknowledge and celebrate young people who have demonstrated leadership, dedication, and a commitment to positive social change. In 2022 he had received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold) for his work at the non-profit.
He also received the Gold Star award for Student Engagement from Montgomery County’s Public School system (MCPS). “This award is given to students who demonstrate intensive involvement in leadership, service, and extracurriculars and have more than four years of proven track record in athletic and/or extracurricular activities. I got this award for all my service, leadership and extracurricular involvements, in addition to my work with Rise N Shine,” he says.
[caption id="attachment_34023" align="aligncenter" width="737"] Vayun Amula with a friend[/caption]
In pursuit of STEM learning and problem-solving
In the 2022 First Lego League innovation project, Vayun undertook research on a pressing issue involving cargo containers falling off cargo ships. Their investigation revealed a significant 40 percent slowdown at a California port in 2021 due to such incidents. To address this problem, Vayun and his team introduced a ground-breaking solution known as the ‘smart container’, which resolved multiple challenges. One of these challenges involved preserving products at a consistent temperature, achieved by incorporating smart heaters and coolers. The smart container was designed to also equip electromagnets and wind sensors. Vayun and his team’s exceptional prototype secured the first position at prestigious Innovation Project award.
In 2021, serving as the team leader, the youngster achieved a remarkable feat by securing the First Lego League Robert Design Award for his team. He had played a pivotal role in programming a robot to excel in the Robo Game. Additionally, his team was honoured with The Core Value Award, which recognises exceptional learning and teamwork. “Receiving the Core Values Award is a significant achievement in FLL, as it highlights not only a team's technical prowess but also its character and commitment to collaboration and ethical behaviour in the pursuit of STEM learning and problem-solving,” Vayun says.
Cricket, India and future goals
A state level cricket player of Maryland, Vayun has been representing his state in the Mid-Atlantic region in U15 cricket matches. “My dad is a big fan of cricket and I was introduced to the cricket by him. He is my coach as well as my practice buddy,” he smiles.
The native of Maryland, maintains a close connection with his place of origin, Mumbai. His software professional parents have reinforced the family’s ties with India through regular visits.
Despite excelling in sports, the youngster aspires to be a successful entrepreneur. "I want to establish a company that can consistently make a positive impact by assisting those in need," he signs off.
(December 22, 2023) Indian-origin Malaysian model Manvin Khera made Malaysia proud by winning the Miss Globe 2023 title. With its inception in 1925, the contest holds the distinction of being one of the world's longest-running major international beauty pageants. The annual event, with headquarters in Albania, is ranked seventh in prominence in the international beauty contest for women. Manvin’s win marks a historic first for Malaysia, as she brought home the first ever Miss Globe crown, leaving behind 49 contestants from across the world. “It’s truly an honour to represent my country on the international stage and I am really happy to be the first ever Malaysian to bring home the Miss Globe crown. I am happy to have raised the bar high for my country,” the 22-year-old said in an interview with after the historic win. [caption id="attachment_34806" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Manvin Khera[/caption] Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ramp, Manvin is a dedicated law student pursuing her education at the University of Malaya. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism, and aspires to become a human rights lawyer while continuing her modelling career. A pageant pro Before her participation in the Miss Globe competition, Manvin
e University of Malaya. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and veganism, and aspires to become a human rights lawyer while continuing her modelling career.
A pageant pro
Before her participation in the Miss Globe competition, Manvin has competed in multiple pageants, gaining recognition and winning titles.
Her journey in the world of modelling began in 2017 when she earned the Miss Teen Malaysia title at the age of 16. This win led her to participate in the Miss Teen International competition held in her country of origin, India that same year. She was one of the top 10 contestants in the competition and earned recognition for the best national costume.
Continuing to pursue her modelling career alongside her academic endeavours, Manvin kept on working for modelling assignments and subsequently participated in the inaugural Ratu Wanita Malaya pageant, the Malaysian franchise of the Miss Globe competition. Apart from clinching the main title in the international pageant, Manvin also won the titles of 'Best in Evening Gown' and 'Best in Talent'.
Her advice to people chasing their dreams is, “stop doubting yourself. Whatever aspirations that you have, just go for it.”
The multifaceted youngster
Born in 2001 in Kuala Lumpur, Manvin hails from a family where both her parents are business owners. “Initially they were apprehensive of me entering the field of modelling but as I won the pageants, they said, ‘we believe in you’,” Manvin revealed.
Despite her Malaysian upbringing, the Indian-origin youngster boasts of fluency in Punjabi (her mother tongue), Hindi, English, and Malay.
The Malaysia-born Indian has passion for diverse cultures and has travelled to countries like India, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, and the United States learning about their cuisines and exploring the cultural diversity in the process.
Before appearing in the Miss Globe nationals, she suffered from acne for a year and felt quite insecure about the situation. “It was a challenging phase for me and I was constantly worried about it and of facing the camera but I worked towards improving the condition and was finally able to come out of it,” she shared highlighting. “Health problems can be reversed with corrective measures and you should not let them come in between you and your goals.”
When it comes to the inspiration of life, Manvin finds a role model in Priyanka Chopra, and respects her achievements, confidence, and humanitarian endeavours.
Not merely limited to pageants, Manvin’s talents extends to classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi. She also finds joy in, archery, hiking, and reading.
(October 22, 2023) If there is anything that motivates Sudipti Hajela to perform, it’s the sight of the tricolour. So, when she was saddled up and ready to prove her mettle at the Asian Games 2023 — she had one good look at the Indian flag, fluttering high in the arena. It boosted her confidence and led her gallop to glory. “Something magical happens once I see our flag. It helps me keep my focus and motivates me into giving my best. Playing for India is the biggest motivation,” smiles Sudipti Hajela, part of the four-member Indian Dressage team that won the historic gold medal for India, speaking to Global Indian. The accomplished equestrienne, who trained hard for the Asian Games for last two years, says she woke up everyday with only one goal in mind — to put up a good show for India and clinch gold. “The four of us are very experienced riders and we have been training ourselves for a long time now. We were quite certain of a podium finish. I'm really grateful that we could all share this great historic win together,” says the 21-year-old, who is the youngest among the four. She accumulated
India’s participation in Equestrian sport began in 1982, with the Asian Games in New Delhi. Sudipti has been training overseas for the last 10 years including London, Portugal and Thailand as well. “For the last two years, I have been training in Fontainebleau, a town in France and an hour away from Paris,” informs the equestrienne. One of the biggest advantages of training in Europe is that equestrians can compete every single weekend at a National or International level, which is essential for improving their skills.
Sudipti was coached by Camillee Judet Cheret, who has competed in the Olympics for France. As a sport, it’s a thriving industry In Europe, where there is interdependence and facilitation between the horse, trainer, infrastructure and environment.
Living alone, she says, is challenging. “Right from the time I wake up, plan my horse riding sessions, fitness while attending house hold chores, managing everything on my own gets difficult,” she says but is quick to add that it even taught her a lot.
A life of discipline
Sudipti had completely dedicated herself to her training. “I was always away and always training. I missed all the festivals and other events as I could not come home due to my training. Years have passed like that. But all these sacrifices yielded results.” At the crack of dawn, the first thing Sudipti tunes into is “Hanuman Chalisa.” “I listen to it really loud and it fills me with positive energy. It’s a must for me everyday,” she says.
[caption id="attachment_33716" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Sudipti with Chinski[/caption]
Sudipti then sits down to do an in-depth analysis of her everyday performance and the ways to improve further. Post that, it’s time for some workouts with her trainer and then she is at stables.
Born in Indore in May, 2002, Sudipti started her equestrian journey early at age six year. Back then, it used to be a summer hobby. “I used to pester my father to take me to Indore’s famous Chhappan Dukaan where I would ride horses,” she recalls, of her initial days of horse riding. Her father Mukesh Hajela is a businessman.
First ride to victory
She won her first national medal in 2013, when she was 10. Indian cricket great Sourav Ganguly presented her with the bronze medal. There was no looking back since as she started taking her training even more seriously.
“Ever since, I have been training abroad, has the best coaches and great exposure,” says Sudipti who completed her schooling from Daly College, Indore. She says she was lucky to have gotten into Daly college, which supported her in every aspect, which helped her reach the level where she is today.
Sudipti credits her horse Chinski for the victory. “We bond so well and that is the key in our partnership. I have been riding Chinski for last two years now,” informs Sudipti who bought the 16-year-old for the sole purpose of competing in the Asian games.
It’s one of the best horses I have had,” she says of her horse. “My horse is everything to me. I love him with all my heart,” she says. After all, selective and specific breeding of quality horses is a niche aspect of the sport
She not only takes the best care of the stallion but feeds her and even gives him regular treats. “He loves carrots, apples and bananas. Both of us understand each other well,” says Sudipti, whose first ever CDI (Concours de Dressage) event was in Portugal a few years ago. This International Dressage event is recognised by the world governing body of equestrian sports.
Talking about her team, Sudipti says they are close friends as well. The four of us have really come together as a team. I could not have imagined having any better team mates than these three,” says Sudipti, who completed her schooling from Daly College, Indore.
[caption id="attachment_33717" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Sudipti Hajela and Chinski at the Asian Games 2023[/caption]
So what’s next ?
“I think the next goal for me is very clear, not to stop because post Asian games, sky is the limit,” smiles the equestrienne who has already begun preparing for the Paris Olympics 2024.
“Every athlete in the world have set their sights on Paris Olympics. I am excited for what’s coming in the near future. My training continues,” says the determined youngster, who is looking forward to make her presence felt at other national and international events as well.
Family support
Sudipti says her family has been the biggest support throughout. “My family and friends have supported me through thick and thin. In fact, two of my best friends even stayed with me abroad and were a constant support.”
(February 21, 2023) The climate change sweeping the world is occurring at a faster pace than previously thought, making it imperative that governments act now to reverse the damage being done to the planet. According to a study by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over the last few decades, the exploitation of our planet and the degradation of our environment has gone up at an alarming rate. With several natural disasters striking us more often in the form of flash floods, earthquakes, blizzards, tsunamis, and cyclones, many environmentalists have positioned themselves as advocates of sustainability, determined to meet the climate crisis at humanity’s doorstep. Global Indian takes a look at young Indians, who have been working on protecting this planet. Through their sustainability efforts across fashion, water conservation, waste management, education, policymaking, and sustainable energy, these young environmentalists inspire and impact thousands of people around the globe. Sneha Shahi, reviving rivers As a young child, environmentalist Sneha Shahi would visit the northeastern region of India, almost every summer, where her father was stationed. And that's when she fell in love with nature. Growing up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sneha was always a girl who showed a keen interest in environmental activities.
n love with nature. Growing up in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sneha was always a girl who showed a keen interest in environmental activities. Today, a Ph.D. scholar at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru, Sneha is among the 17 UN Young Climate Champions from India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maQzojOBQ44
"Since we were in school, we have been learning how plastic waste and its irresponsible disposal harm our flora, fauna, and land water systems. While we are taught about it, most people do not do anything to reduce the impact," shared the activist, who removed about 700 kg of waste from a natural rivulet that people thought to be a gutter.
Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Extreme Hydrological Events at ATREE, Bengaluru, Sneha is gearing up to work on the restoration of the only perennial river in Tamil Nadu, Thamirabarani. "It has been only six months since I started the programme here and the project is still getting developed. The objectives currently are to restore this beautiful river, Thamirabarani, which is about 128 km long," shares Sneha, adding, "It supports drinking water and agricultural activities. We do not just want to install physical instruments to control pollution, but also create awareness about the pollution and change their mindset," shared the environmentalist.
Sagarika Sriram, climate change activist
A young 17-year-old took centre stage while top leaders from across the world gathered to discuss how they can save our planet from the changing climatic conditions at COP27, held in Egypt. Addressing her audience, the young environment activist, Sagarika Sriram, pointed out the youth’s perspective on sustainability and how youngsters can have their voices heard. Stressing how awareness must be raised in schools, her closing remarks pushed for the youth around the world to be heard when it comes to their sustainable goals, ending her speech to thunderous applause from the audience.
Called an "inspiration to all young girls in her country and West Asia” by the U.N. Environment Programme, the Dubai-based Indian ex-pat has been able to inspire and motivate numerous kids to join the movement for a cleaner and healthier future for all. Her digital platform Kids for a Better World, which the young environment activist created in 2016 as a school project, has brought together nearly 100,000 young kids from around the globe who too want to fight climate change.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPWtMtGOs-s
The environmentalist who has organised numerous local clean-up drives and workshops for kids believes that young people have to stand for the cause to prevent the impact of climate change. "I want to make a real change and contribute towards helping the planet revive. I just finished my final examinations and want to take a year's break to concentrate on the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, COP 28, which will take place in the UAE," she shared.
Soumya Ranjan Biswal, marine conservation
Mangroves might appear to be merely coastal forests, but these rich ecosystems support the planet and living being in many ways. From providing breeding grounds for fish to carbon storage, and protection against flooding mangroves does it all. However, despite its importance, the mangrove forests are under threat. Odisha-based, 24-year-old environmentalist Soumya Ranjan Biswal has been voluntarily growing intending to regenerate the mangrove forests along the 18-km-long beach stretch for the last few years. Locally called Rai, Harakancha, Sundari, Bani, Guan, and Keruan, these plants are integral to the coastal habitat and livelihood of local fishermen.
The youngster is also working tirelessly to protect the threatened habitat of Olive Ridley turtles. From making sure eggs of the endangered species are protected from predators like dogs, jackals, and other animals, taking out cycle rallies to spread awareness among coastal inhabitants for the safety of the sea turtles to cleaning the beaches for the release of hatchlings, Soumya, fondly called Olly Boy has been doing it all. When the Odisha government agreed to have the Olive Ridley sea turtle as the mascot for the 2018 Hockey World Cup, that was when the young environmentalist decided to hold their historic one-month-long cycle expedition, paddling through coastal pockets of Rushikulya, Puri, Chilika, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore to create awareness about the protection of the turtles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeXCsE5eKEo
While Olive Ridleys are close to Soumya, he has also been working for the cause of sparrows, reviving dry water bodies in forests and keeping beaches plastic-free. "As a coastal village boy, I've always been affected by ocean and beach pollution, high mortality rates of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, and mangrove destruction which have resulted in the occurrence of consistent natural calamities. This made me feel more strongly about issues like environmental degradation, climate change, and its impact on the marine ecosystem." Soumya had said during an earlier interview. Soumya was part of the "We The Change" campaign initiated by the United Nations in India.
Hina Saifi, clean air and renewable energy activist
Working with NGOs within her village in Meerut, Hina Saifi started to work on climate awareness after noting a lack of environmental awareness in her polluted village of Sisosla. From campaigning for solar-powered solutions to mobilising local communities to tackle air pollution through public campaigns, call for action, and pamphlets, Hina has been associated with the 100% Uttar Pradesh Campaign and The Climate Agenda since 2018.
"I believe that if there’s public awareness first, then we can improve the environment. It will happen if people are aware of climate-friendly behaviours and actions. This is why I want to work in the space of public awareness and mobilization." Hina advocated during a press interaction. After she launched ‘Suraj Se Samriddhi’, a campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of solar power, Hina was selected as the United Nation Young Environment Champion last year.
Berjis Driver, sustainable urban planner
An urban planner and associate member of the Institute of Town Planners India, Berjis Driver is working with the government authorities to reduce disparities, and improve accessibility and quality of life in cities. Berjis' expertise in environmental planning was important in understanding the relationship between Mumbai’s infrastructure and its environment. As an architect, he has been contributing to statutory urban policy and guideline preparation in Mumbai and Amravati.
A UN Youth Environment Champion, Berjis advocates that the urban cities' environment has been disconnected from the ecosystem. The norms on a per capita basis track back to the 60s and 70s and are not relevant to India today. He has been working to implement the basic benchmarks for green infrastructure, with rigorous control, in every city. "The promise of being able to reach out and scale up climate action, to learn the truth behind the origins and contexts of sustainability, help navigate it favourably, and to be able to safeguard the weakest in the face of climate change, is what continues to motivate me in this journey," Berjis has shared during an interview.
(Aug 23, 2023) "Water is my battlefield," writes Anshuman Jhingran in one of his social media posts. At 18 years 125 days, the Navi Mumbai swimmer became the youngest to cross the North Channel – a strait between Northern Ireland and Scotland that connects the Irish Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. He became the 114th swimmer and the youngest to do so since 1947. The youngster is on a mission to become the world's youngest swimmer to complete the Oceans Seven, considered the Grand Slam of open water swimming, comprising seven of the world's toughest open water crossings. [caption id="attachment_32679" align="aligncenter" width="499"] Anshuman Jhingran[/caption] North Channel was Anshuman's first swim as part of the Oceans Seven challenge. He swam for 35 kilometres in 11 hours, 28 minutes and 52 seconds finding a place in the Guinness Book of Word Records. "I set this world record on 17th July 2023 and have been super proud of it. Being able to enter my name in the Guinness Book of World Records feels like a dream come true," the overjoyed swimmer remarks. Turning adversity into opportunity Anshuman has been swimming since he was five years old. As a competitive short distance swimmer, he
Word Records. "I set this world record on 17th July 2023 and have been super proud of it. Being able to enter my name in the Guinness Book of World Records feels like a dream come true," the overjoyed swimmer remarks.
Turning adversity into opportunity
Anshuman has been swimming since he was five years old. As a competitive short distance swimmer, he had made rapid progress, participating at various meets across the country, and in state and national level championships winning laurels. However, open water swimming was a completely different ball game.
He had not given a thought to diving in its tough terrain until he broke his left forearm and wrist that prevented him from participating in championships for some time, even after he recuperated due to championship norms.
Being a swimming enthusiast, he was restless. Looking at this his coach Gokul Kamath suggested that he try open water swimming. "It was very new for me, but I knew my coach would support me at every step. So, I decided to give it a go," Anshuman remarks.
Regarded as one of the most challenging among the Ocean Seven swims, the North Channel presented an intimidating test of physical endurance and mastery due to its cold waters. There were many dangerous boneless animals in the waters like the lion's mane jellyfish that swam freely. Also, the tides and currents made the swim tough till the very end.
But Anshuman was prepared. He had dedicated nearly a year to training, including two-hour sessions of immersing in ice baths to adapt to the conditions of open waters. Given that the North Channel's temperature can drop to as low as 10 degrees Celsius, and lacking suitable training grounds in Mumbai, he had resorted to ice baths to get acclimatised.
Also, he successfully completed a swim across the Palk Strait channel from Sri Lanka to India as part of his preparation. He stayed in the UK for a month before the big swim just to get acquainted with the climate.
"Open water swimming is an invitation to embrace the untamed beauty of nature," he says, adding, "Leave behind the sterile pool tiles and immerse yourself in the vastness of lakes, rivers, and oceans. It's a chance to feel the rhythm of the waves, taste the salt in the air, and discover hidden coves that only the adventurous dare to explore."
Anshuman has won many competitions in the past like the 2018 National-level medal in the 100m Butterfly swim. In 2019, he made his mark at the SNAG (Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships). His talent also led to his selection for the Khelo India Youth Games in 2020.
The class 12 commerce student at Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College has trained at Fr Agnel Sport Centre, since years. Working closely with his coaches, Gokul Kamath and Rutuja Udeshi, both recipients of the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award, Anshuman had been dedicating at least 6 hours to training for his open water swimming challenge. Sometimes the practice hours even extended to even 12 hours on more intense training days.
At the later stage of the preparation, getting guidance from MBE Sally Minty-Gravett, a renowned coach and marathon swimmer also helped.
[caption id="attachment_32681" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Anshuman Jhingran practicing the Wim Hof breathing method while ice bathing[/caption]
Future ahead
The youngster’s eyes are firmly set on the next goal - to swim across another open water crossing of the Oceans Seven. “Only 22 people in the world have ever completed all seven swims, and I am determined to add my name to that illustrious list,” he shares. He is aiming for at least two swims by the end of this year.
“I did not choose swimming because I had to, but I did because I loved it. If the situation permits, I would love to take this as a full-time career,” says the young champion who finds support in the steadfast belief held by his parents, Sandeep and Kiran Jhingran in all that he does.
One of Rise N Shine’s food collection drives[/caption]
Vayun Amula with a friend[/caption]
Vayun Amula[/caption]
Manvin Khera[/caption]
Manvin Khera[/caption]
Sudipti with Chinski[/caption]
Sudipti Hajela and Chinski at the Asian Games 2023[/caption]
Anshuman Jhingran[/caption]
Anshuman Jhingran[/caption]
Anshuman Jhingran practicing the Wim Hof breathing method while ice bathing[/caption]