Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveFrom the sidelines to the national team: Cricketer Laasya Mullapudi wants to win it all for the USA

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.

Cricketer | Laasya Mullapudi | Global Indian

“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.”

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Published on 31, Oct 2023

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Ridi Oswal: Indo-European GenZ singer making an impact through her music

(February 25, 2024) Indo-European singer songwriter Ridi Oswal released her first single, Top Guy, at the age of 17. Two years later, she is a rising Gen-Z popstar in the global South Asian community. Ridi's music, which is a fusion of her Indian roots and global influences, explores themes like social injustice, mental health, and the strains of social media. Ridi, who has just signed a contract with Universal Music, SA, also runs an anti-bullying platform with her sister, Vasundhara. Sound of Music A self-proclaimed advocate for blending her Indian roots with Western influences to create indie pop music with a universal appeal, Oswal has been tinkering with music since she was eight. Her journey into professional realm began at the age of 14 when she dedicated herself to honing her craft. "Growing up, I faced my fair share of challenges - from being bullied in high school for my Indian heritage to enduring stereotypes about my food choices and cultural background. My identity became a joke to some. But throughout, music was my steadfast companion. It was my lifeline, my way of finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I want to

finding connection and meaning in a sometimes chaotic world," she tells Global Indian, adding, "I want to share that sense of connection with others through my music, to be that comforting voice in someone else's storm." Currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London, Oswal acknowledges that studying science keeps her grounded, providing a sense of balance amidst the whirlwind of creativity.

Indian connect

For Oswal, mixing her Indian roots with contemporary music is like creating a musical mosaic, where each piece adds depth and richness to the overall picture. Drawing inspiration from classical Indian instruments like the tabla and dholak, she infuses these traditional elements with modern beats and melodies, creating a unique fusion that resonates with audiences worldwide. "It's about honouring my heritage while embracing the ever-evolving landscape of music, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. Whether through rhythmic patterns or melodic motifs, my goal is to create a seamless blend that celebrates the diversity of our musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity,” she explains.

Making the case for inclusivity

Experiencing bullying at school and understanding its ramifications, she has co-founded ‘Stop The B’ with her sister. This is an initiative that aims to combat bullying and promote inclusivity in schools and communities. "Having personally experienced the pain of bullying during my school years, I knew I had to do something to make a difference," says Oswal who is striving to empower individuals to stand up against discrimination through music and activism through Stop The B. "Moreover, we are fostering a culture of kindness and acceptance. Together, we are spreading awareness, providing support, and inspiring change, one step at a time."

Musical notes

Her music reflects her journey - a blend of personal experiences, cultural influences, and creative expression. "When it comes to song writing, I believe in letting the process flow organically. Sometimes, it starts with a lyric or a melody, other times, it is a story waiting to be told. I find solace in my voice memos, where I store countless ideas and fragments of songs, ready to be revisited and refined," says the singer who believes collaboration is key. "Working with talented musicians and producers allows me to explore new sounds and perspectives, enriching the creative process. Her latest single, Guilty Feet, celebrates self-love, empowerment, and unapologetic authenticity. "It's about embracing every aspect of who you are, flaws et al, and confidently owning your unique journey. The song invites listeners, especially girls, to shed their inhibitions, break free from societal expectations, and dance to the beat of their drum," she explains, adding, "With infectious rhythms, uplifting melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, it's a reminder to stand tall, shine bright, and never apologise for being yourself. Ultimately, it's a love letter to anyone who's ever felt unseen or misunderstood, urging them to embrace their truth and live boldly."

Being resilient

Overcoming challenges has been an integral part of her journey, shaping her into the artist and individual she is today. In the face of adversity, she has learned to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset. "Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors has been instrumental in navigating obstacles and staying grounded amidst the storm," she says. Additionally, channelling setbacks into opportunities for growth and self-discovery has empowered her to turn adversity into fuel for creativity and inspiration. "Through music, activism, or personal development, I approach challenges with an open heart and a determination to emerge stronger on the other side," she says.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5JZzocME6o

Reflecting on her journey

In these years, she has learned many valuable lessons that have shaped both her perspective and approach to life and music. One such profound lesson is the importance of authenticity - staying true to herself and her vision, even in the face of external pressures or expectations. "I have also learned the power of resilience, embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and transformation rather than obstacles to be feared." Furthermore, collaboration and community have taught her the strength of unity and the beauty of shared creativity. "I've come to appreciate the journey itself, embracing the highs and lows as integral parts of the process and finding joy in pursuing my passions. Every twist and turn, every high and low – it's all part of the adventure. It's all about finding joy in the journey," she explains.

Mixing it up

She loves diving into creative projects and discovering new adventures in her free time. A nature lover, she enjoys hiking and taking peaceful strolls in the park. "I am always on the lookout for my next destination, eager to explore new cultures and experiences. When I'm not lost in artistic pursuits or globe-trotting, you'll likely find me cosying up with a good book, whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, or cherishing quality time with loved ones,” says Oswal.

[caption id="attachment_36113" align="aligncenter" width="493"] Ridi Oswal[/caption]

Looking ahead

A particularly exciting milestone in her musical journey has been signing a contract with Universal Music, SA – which she admits is truly a dream come true for any artist. With this incredible opportunity, a whole world of creativity is waiting to be explored, and she is ready to dive right in. "From fresh singles like Love Me Till You Lose Me which talks about love and loss in the most fashionable way exploring the nuances of love, obsession and separation, to exciting collaborations, and who knows, maybe even an album down the line there is so much music waiting to be made,” she says. But along with the tunes, she is equally fired up about making a difference through her music by lending her voice to important causes or giving back to the community. She is keen to use her platform for good. “I am itching to shake things up, explore new genres, and keep pushing the boundaries of my artistry. At the end of the day, it's all about spreading positivity, connecting with others, and making a meaningful impact in this ever-evolving world,” she signs off.

Follow Ridi Oswal on YouTube and Instagram

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Jagriti Agrawal: Leading the way for AI in education

(April 17, 2024) Jagriti Agrawal, the co-founder of Kira Learning, is a woman with a mission. Her aim is to bring Computer Science and AI education to middle school and high school students, to empower teachers to teach, and students to learn, through a specially developed curriculum and AI-enabled tools. Now based in Palo Alto, the Forbes 30 Under 30 worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she helped build autonomous planning systems for NASA's Perseverence rover. However, the journey to the top wasn't a smooth one, and Jagriti began her career feeling like an outsider who was far beyond her peers... A rocky start When she first arrived at university, Jagriti had never studied Computer Science before, and signed up for an 'intro' class, designed for people like herself. However, the class was extremely difficult and she and her friends struggled with it. "It affected our self-worth for years after, because the way you're taught and your education can affect how you see yourself. That experience made me think of how education can affect self-esteem," said Jagriti. [caption id="attachment_37236" align="aligncenter" width="532"] Jagriti Agrawal[/caption] Although the seed had been planted, Jagriti Agrawal graduated from Cal Tech and joined NASA's Jet

ntent/uploads/2024/04/jagriti-2-1024x971.png" alt="Jagriti Agrawal | Kira Learning | Global Indian" width="532" height="504" /> Jagriti Agrawal[/caption]

Although the seed had been planted, Jagriti Agrawal graduated from Cal Tech and joined NASA's Jet Propulsion Labs, where she was part of a 30-odd member team building the Autonomous Planning Systems for the Perseverance Rover. JPL also had a fairly extensive education programme and Jagriti began teaching through this. "I had also tutored kids, especially those living in women's shelters," she says.

Pivot into education

This kindled a new passion in her and Jagriti decided to risk it all. She quit her job at NASA and went to Stanford Business School. "It was a huge pivot for me, but my experiences teaching had showed me the impact of education and that the way someone is taught can impact their self esteem. That was motivating to me," Jagriti recalls. "After three year sof working at JPL I wanted to see if I could turn this passion into a career. And I knew that Stanford had some good education classes."

She went to Stanford, she says, with an open mind, knowing the university offered good education classes. A startup still wasn't on her mind, she didn't even know anyone who worked in one. "I went with the attitude that I want to learn and work in education and help people. THat was my high level thing." At university, though, she began talking more to people at startups and learned more about them.

And it so happened that she received an email from Andrea Pasinetti, a Stanford alumni who wanted to collaborate with students for his startup. Jagriti joined him as an intern over the summer, and found in Andrea Pasinetti a strong and supportive mentor. "It's really important to surround yourself with the right mentors," she says. "He made me believe I could do it and be a co-founder, much more than I did."

Kira Learning

The AI education company recently completed its Series A funding, and raised $15 million. Their aim is empower students and teachers at the middle and high school levels in AI and CS education, through a specially designed curriculum, and a host of AI tools. "We work with professors from Stanford and Berklee who have experience in the teaching these subjects," Jagriti explains. "It's not easy to build a curriculum that's exciting and motivating."

That is the core aim of Kira Learning however - to empower and to motivate. The curriculum includes video instructions, exercises, activities and projects to facilitate learning and to also help teachers, many of whom are teaching these subjects for the first time. Jagriti's responsibilities involve leading the development of content and curriculum, improving the autograding capabilities and using AI as a teaching tool. "We are developing an AI tutor companion which will guide students when they get stuck on a problem. Our challenge is to make sure that the AI doesn't produce the wrong answer, or even produce the answer in full. We want the students to not be stuck but we also want them to learn." A beta version is nearly ready for release.

Scaling up

Their biggest partnership is with the state of Tennessee, and their course has also been used by the state of Ohio. Kira Learning hopes to work at the government level and to introduce their curriculum to schools at a large scale. "We're also speaking to New York and California," Jagriti adds. That apart, the company is also setting up a presence in Asia, as well as East and West Africa.

Purpose and legacy

Driven by her purpose to empower, Jagriti says, "I hope I can be someone who helps other people believe in themselves a little more." Education, she says, has a big role to play in that. "We want to create a curriculum that makes people feel they can be who they want and do what they want. And hopefully, they will also be empathetic and kind," she smiles.

Follow Jagriti Agrawal on LinkedIn
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Laalitya Acharya: The Indian American raising awareness on global water crisis

(October 16, 2022) A family trip to India was nothing short of an eye-opener for the Ohio girl Laalitya Acharya, who was a witness to the glaring water gap and the lack of access to clean drinking water and its implications. Seeing the damaging impact of contaminated water on health - leading to stomach flu and other ailments - made her dig deep into the statistics. In 2017, nearly 75 million people in India had no access to safe water. The startling numbers made her think hard, but after she fell ill from consuming contaminated water despite taking precautions, Laalitya knew it was time to make a change. "When I returned home, I found that this is a global crisis that affects billions all across the world. I decided that I wanted to find a solution to this problem and thus the foundations for The Nereid Project were born," the changemaker tells Global Indian. Nereid - a low-cost device that can detect water contamination within seconds using Artificial Intelligence - made Laalitya bag the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes recently, for making a positive impact in people's lives and communities. In the last few years, the Nereid Project has

aking a positive impact in people's lives and communities. In the last few years, the Nereid Project has grown by leaps and bounds, and Laalitya calls it an organisation that "aims to raise awareness for the water crisis through research, advocacy, and policy." They are now working on implementing Nereid in Ohio, India, and Morocco.

[caption id="attachment_23046" align="aligncenter" width="415"] Laalitya Acharya developed Nereid[/caption]

Foundation laid by curiosity

While Nereid has put this Indian-American teen on the global map, Laalitya's interest in technology and science began at a tender age. The Bengaluru-born grew up in a suburb of Ohio after her parents moved to the US in search of better opportunities. Being a first-generation Indian American, "the importance of education was constantly emphasised," and she naturally gravitated toward scientific experimentation. It was in high school that her passion flourished as she found herself participating in scientific research and science fairs. "My high school did not have a traditional research program, so I decided to do 'at-home' independent research instead. This was where the basis of my research, Nereid, began," the changemaker reveals.

It was creative thinking that led her to explore scientific research, something she calls "crucial" to her journey. While most think science and creativity are separate entities, Laalitya begs to differ. "People tend to believe that science is not for the creative but I could not think that falser. All of the research and novel developments that we have, are born out of creativity, not in spite. The Nereid device, for example, utilises an intersection of biology, computational science, and artificial intelligence - it required unique thinking to create a unique solution," she elucidates.

[caption id="attachment_23047" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Laalitya Acharya recently won the Gloria Barron Award for Young Heroes[/caption]

Making an impact with Nereid

So, what exactly is Nereid? It's a portable device that works as a microscopic camera that takes images of a water sample which are then analysed using AI technology to determine if it's safe or contaminated, thus helping to alleviate the global water crisis. Such is the feasibility of the device that it can be easily integrated into a water system. "The coming months will help me to gather real-world data to hopefully implement Nereid globally," adds the changemaker. Not just this, the Nereid Project also expands to hosting STEM education programs and water summits which "are conferences centred around ways each of us can mitigate the global water gap." Along with it, they are working to use the legislative arm of policy to ensure access to this global necessity for all.

A STEM champion

Laalitya, who is currently majoring in biomedical engineering at Columbia University, is keen to work at the "intersection of STEM and public policy" to create legislative changes that incorporate science-based solutions. A STEM champion, she calls it the need of the hour to solve issues such as climate change or reform US healthcare. The 19-year-old is happy to see girls "crushing the game" in STEM. "The growth that I have seen even in my career of the science fair, and research has truly shown the power of women in science. I've also worked to create educational programs for young girls interested in science through The Nereid Project. Seeing their excitement and being able to support them on their STEM journeys has always been immensely gratifying for me," adds Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalist.

The young changemaker is taking baby steps to cause a tectonic shift in the world through her work, and is keen to see "a world where people have access to their basic human rights and necessities." Knowing that the world is in crisis right now, she says, "it is our job to fix it."

[caption id="attachment_23048" align="aligncenter" width="625"] Laalitya Acharya with US Senator Chuck Schumer of New York[/caption]

"The United Nations defined their Sustainable Goals (SDG)s as due in 2030. We are less than 8 years away from this and I truly hope that we can continue our exponential growth in solving these global crises. I am doing my part to close the water gap and I aim to help the UN reach SDG #6 (which regards clean water access)," adds the changemaker, who was a Casework Intern for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in May where she worked with the constituents of New York to resolve any issues they were facing.

Challenges and learnings

However, this journey came with its share of challenges, and COVID was especially a tough time. But Laalitya was able to see a silver lining in each of her difficulties. "A lot of what The Nereid Project did was dependent on in-person camps/summits. Overnight, this changed and we were forced to move to a virtual format instead. But this shift led us to engage with more people outside of my local area. We worked with students from across the world and helped them kickstart their scientific journeys. Today, in a post-pandemic world, we have decided to keep our online format and return to in-person events - thus allowing us to expand our reach," the changemaker says.

A voracious reader, she loves to devour historical fiction and memoirs. "I also play the violin and run as I find both activities to be very soothing. It helps me to take care of my body and mind which is crucial in this line of work," says the changemaker.

[caption id="attachment_23049" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Laalitya Acharya encourages kids in the space of STEM[/caption]

The last few years have been a learning curve for Laalitya as she extends some pieces of advice to youngsters looking to make an impact. "It's okay to be a one-person-show," she suggests, adding, "It can be super scary to put yourself out there as an 'organisation' when it's just you wearing 5 different hats at the same time. But in reality, we all start small, and even the smallest changes can cause a ripple effect." However, she emphasises the importance of finding one's niche. "Go narrow and deep. Delve into a few sectors that you are particularly fond of and then you can expand as you grow," adds Laalitya, who believes in building a network and finding a community - in terms of family, mentors, friends, advocates, and or organisations. But her biggest learning was understanding that the way to a 'yes' is through many 'no'. "You will face negative comments, criticism, and other not-so-fun conversations on your journey. But the best way to think about it is that every 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes'," signs off Laalitya.

Follow Laalitya Acharya on Linkedin and her website

Reading Time: 6 min

Adhya Shastry: Bharatanatyam danseuse who claimed BBC Young Dancer triumph

(October 8, 2023) Adhya Shastry, a talented Bharatanatyam dancer based in the UK, achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the coveted title of BBC Young Dancer 2022. The competition, open to dancers from across the UK, provides participants a golden opportunity to showcase their exceptional talents on the renowned BBC televised stage, drawing in audiences from around the world. “I didn’t have any expectations throughout the competition and in some sense that’s what made this whole experience so beautiful because I was experiencing everything as it came,” Adhya remarked as she connected with Global Indian. At the tender age of 13 in 2017, the 19-year-old had first stumbled upon the competition. While barely a teenager, she was captivated by the dazzling finals on her television screen. The extraordinary talent displayed by the finalists that year left an indelible mark on her, igniting a determination to be on the BBC stage herself someday. [caption id="attachment_33453" align="aligncenter" width="759"] Adhya Shastry[/caption] Over the years Adhya diligently honed her skills. When she finally felt prepared, she submitted her application to participate. In April 2022, Adhya's happiness knew no bounds when she was awarded the title of BBC Young Dancer 2022, a testament to her

erself someday.

[caption id="attachment_33453" align="aligncenter" width="759"] Adhya Shastry[/caption]

Over the years Adhya diligently honed her skills. When she finally felt prepared, she submitted her application to participate. In April 2022, Adhya's happiness knew no bounds when she was awarded the title of BBC Young Dancer 2022, a testament to her dedication and talent.

All about the competition

Since 2015, the BBC Young Dancer competition has been featured as a reality show on both BBC Four and BBC Two television channels. Designed for aspiring UK-based dancers in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and South Asian dance genres, this competition welcomes participants aged between 16 and 20.

Adhya's journey to the finals involved successfully navigating three challenging rounds. She gained invaluable insights throughout the competition feeling privileged to meet a diverse array of remarkable individuals, each with their own captivating stories. For instance, some participants were balancing their passion for dance with the rigours of psychology or medicine studies at university. While others had recently embarked on intensive dance workshops abroad, collaborating with renowned choreographers just days before the auditions. “It felt like I had been transported into a different world where everything and anything was possible!”

Experience of a lifetime

Following the successful completion of three rounds, a total of 10 dancers emerged as finalists. They were sent to Dartington Manor, a heritage property spread over 1,200 acres in Devon, dating back to mediaeval times for an immersive week of intensive training and collaborative creative sessions with renowned choreographers.

“It felt like the beginning of something new, I felt like there were so many possibilities that were ahead of me and ahead of us as a dance cohort,” Adhya shared.

The residency programme included improvisational performances to an audience. This was where random music tracks were played. “We had never heard those tracks but were required to dance to the tunes displaying our musicality, our unique dance style, and our spur-of-the-moment creative thinking” It was nerve-wracking and fun at the same time,” she remarked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmlbwT83ooE

Although her solo was a Bharatanatyam piece, Adhya also got to dance in a trio choreographed by one of the judges. “Since I was in a trio with a contemporary dancer and a tap dancer, the choreography included a movement language that connected us whilst also allowing us to flourish within our styles,” she said adding “Through different tasks, I learned to improvise and create pieces with other dancers exploring my own movement style and learning other styles in the process.”

Claiming the title

After the residency ended, it was a few months of waiting for the final show. At the end of it was the surreal experience of performing at the Roundhouse in London. The stage was massive. “I couldn’t believe I was going to perform in that gorgeous venue with those amazing people!” Adhya shared.

She delivered a stunning performance line-up, including a Bharatanatyam solo titled ‘Kali Kavuthwam,’ a meticulously choreographed trio by Seeta Patel, and a dynamic group ensemble piece crafted by Ivan Michael Blackstock.

When she emerged as a winner, it took a while for her to realise that she had finally clinched the top title amidst the ten brilliant finalists.

Dancing since childhood

Adhya had always been an active child. Looking at her keenness towards dancing her parents enrolled her in a Bharatanatyam class, a decision that Adhya embraced with joy.

Talking about her dance school she shares, “I started learning Bharatanatyam in Kalakunj at Reading at the age of 10. Learning there was a way for me to connect to my roots and gain knowledge about my culture. My guru, Ananya Chatterjee was always so supportive of all my endeavours and she helped harbour and grow my passion for dance. I also got to learn so much from all the beautiful dancers I danced with at Kalakunj.”

Adhya has also been a part of Yuva Gati, a dance training programme for dance styles from South Asian heritage. She was associated with it for two years gaining exposure to many dance styles. The programme connected her with numerous talented South Asian dancers and introduced her to the concept of improvisation and an understanding of the techniques underlying various movements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-xiKwBk-S0

Dance is life

This September Adhya has started her first year of university at London Contemporary Dance School. “I am currently in a dance conservatoire that covers a lot of different dance styles like locking, popping, groove, contemporary, ballet, and more,” tells the teenager who is eager to delve deeper into these dance styles, and broaden her repertoire of movements. She is also keen on discovering how these styles can complement and enrich her exploration of Bharatanatyam.

As a dancer, Adhya’s inspiration is diverse. Whether it's observing fellow dancers' performances, immersing herself in music, engaging in conversations, delving into literature, connecting with her emotions, or simply taking leisurely walks to absorb her surroundings—every facet of life holds potential inspiration for her.

“I aspire to keep dancing and eventually start choreographing dance pieces. I have many ambitions but one of my main goals is to always be authentic in the way I move and have an honest expression of myself through dance,” she signs off.

Born in Tehran Iran, the UK-based teenager lived in India from 2009 - 2012.

Reading Time: 5 mins

‘Court’ing the Olympics: Tennis champ Shrivalli wants to bring home the gold

(April 14, 2022) Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, who was crowned the national hardcourt tennis champion (women’s singles) 2021, was 11 when she first held a tennis racket in her hand. Calling herself an “accidental” tennis player, Shrivalli was introduced to the game at the Lal Bahadur stadium in Hyderabad. "I was just 11 years old and frankly, I only noticed the clothes of the kids who were playing at the stadium," laughs the 20-year-old tennis star during an interview with Global Indian. "I told my father that I wanted to play because I also wanted to wear those clothes," she adds. [caption id="attachment_15000" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Shrivalli Rashmikaa[/caption] However, Shrivalli has come a long way since then. The right-handed tennis star, who is currently doing her degree at St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, has won numerous titles. The most recent was the ITF Women's (doubles) $15000 - 2022 held in Gurugram. She was also a semi-finalist at the ITF Women's (singles) $15000 - 2022, Ahmedabad. Making of a champion Born to two sports players - her father being a cricketer and mother a national-level basketball player - Shrivalli was always encouraged to play sports. "I was a very active child, mostly

$15000 - 2022 held in Gurugram. She was also a semi-finalist at the ITF Women's (singles) $15000 - 2022, Ahmedabad.

Making of a champion

Born to two sports players - her father being a cricketer and mother a national-level basketball player - Shrivalli was always encouraged to play sports. "I was a very active child, mostly because my parents were so into outdoor activities. My father especially is a sports freak. He encouraged me to pick up an extra-curricular activity in school," shares the tennis star, who is also a trained classical Carnatic singer.

While she took part in various sports, including swimming and roller skating, tennis was her 'one true love'. And once she started training, it did not take the coaches at the LB stadium much time to realise that Shrivalli was a gifted player.

[caption id="attachment_15017" align="aligncenter" width="579"] Shrivalli after winning a tournament[/caption]

"For the first year, I went to the stadium to just have fun. I was the most talkative kid in the stadium, who loved picking up balls more than hitting them," she laughs, adding, “But one day when my father had come to pick me up, one of the coaches asked him if I would like to take up the sport professionally. After coming home, my father posed the same question. In fact, I remember he warned me that it would be a tough journey. I was about 12 years old and didn't really understand what was so tough about playing tennis. So, I just said yes," the tennis player recalls.

Even as she worked hard to win every tournament, she did not forget to enjoy her childhood. Although she was a good student, she was also a trouble-maker in class. "I was a notorious student. Me and a few friends would bunk classes together. We would never leave the school premises, but we just would not attend the classes some times. Since I was very talkative, the teachers would sometimes even kick me out of the class. But I was a good student, my grades were really good. And I'd win gold in almost every tournament, so my teachers and principal were happy with me," smiles the tennis champ.

When the going gets tough

During her initial years, the tennis player won several medals, including the national title 2014-15, and under-18 petit camp open doubles in Mauritius in 2016. However, like every player she had to face some tough losses as well. While she recognised her potential as a player, Shrivalli learnt a lot from the matches she couldn't win.

[caption id="attachment_15018" align="aligncenter" width="690"] Shrivalli with her parents[/caption]

"I knew right from the beginning that I was able to do something extraordinary, something not everyone could do. As a junior, I wasn't much of a performing kid. So, I would constantly put pressure on myself to perform well. And when I didn't, the losses hit me very hard. Also, the other tennis players my age were performing really well, and I would inadvertently compare myself with them. In almost every tournament, even before the draw was out, I would freak out," shares the young player.

For two years, Shrivalli constantly struggled with these doubts which affected her game. Explaining how important it is to be mentally strong to win the games, the tennis player adds, "I did go to a psychologist subsequently and that helped me a lot. I started concentrating on my game more than the outcomes. So, as I moved towards my under-18s my game improved a lot." Her parents, Shrivalli says, were very supportive through her journey, and never once put pressure on her.

Olympic dreams

One of her biggest victories was defeating Rutuja Bhosale at the ITF $25K Pune R1 – 2021. That instilled a great deal of confidence in her. "I think all players feel nervous before a match. I do too. But I am confident now that I can play against, and defeat, any player," remarks Shrivalli, who is very inspired by Novak Djokovic.

[caption id="attachment_15019" align="aligncenter" width="772"] The tennis champion dreams of representing the country in Olympics[/caption]

Shrivalli dreams of representing India at the Olympics and works at her aspirations without compromise. Her day begins at 4.15 am and training continues for between five and six hours a day. And along the way, she hopes to win as many cups as she can for her country. “I will be participating in several upcoming national and international tournament. But a dream come true will be representing India at the Olympics and winning gold for the country," says the tennis star, who loves cooking or baking in her free time.

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