Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveGolfing trailblazer: Aditi Ashok’s journey in golf and triumphs in 2023

Golfing trailblazer: Aditi Ashok’s journey in golf and triumphs in 2023

Written by: Amrita Priya

(December 3, 2023)The 2023 Ladies European Tour (LET) was a series of golf tournaments for elite female golfers from around the world held at multiple locations around the world. India’s Aditi Ashok competed with golfers from France, Spain, Thailand, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic and many other countries in the race to the Costa del Sol rankings – a season-long competition to crown the LET’s number one player. The Indian professional golfer who recently bagged silver at the Asian Games 2023, won both the opening and closing tournaments of the season at Kenya and Spain respectively. With these significant wins she made 2023 the best-ever year for Indian women golfers at the LET.

“It was a great battle,” said Aditi after winning the closing tournament of LET at Spain. In May this year, Aditi had achieved a ground-breaking milestone as the first Indian female golfer to break into the top 50 in the world rankings following her T5 finish at the LPGA Founders Cup. “I have grown up with golf being a part of my life. It means a lot. A few days without golf and I start feeling a void. It is an ingrained aspect of my life,” she had remarked in a previous interview.

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Aditi clinched the fourth position in the tournament, whereas her counterpart Diksha Dagar attained the third spot, marking the first time in history when two Indian golfers achieved top-five rankings in the LET season.

Starting young

The 25-year-old had started playing golf when she was merely five. Born and brought up in Bengaluru, the golfer made her Olympic Games debut at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Later, she also qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, representing India, finishing fourth.

Although she was unhappy about the result, the Global Indian said, “So many people in India are writing and talking about golf, and even watching it. I am looking at the positive side. The fact that my Olympic performance has generated more interest is great.”

Indian Sportsperson | Aditi Ashok | Global Indian

Aditi Ashok with budding golfers

Finding support in parents

The golfer’s parents supported her dreams from the beginning. At the age of five when she expressed interest in the sport, her father took her to the Karnataka Golf Association driving range. So invested were her parents in Aditi’s goals of life that her father Ashok became her caddie in the 2016 Olympics, while her mother Maheshwari Ashok was her caddie at the Olympics of 2020 in Tokyo.

“Both my parents supported me a lot when I was young. My dad would take me to the golf course every day and teach me how to manage my game. My mom has been a pillar of strength. From her, I have learnt how to create a positive environment around oneself,” she remarked.

Aditi Ashok with her father as caddie in 2016 Olympics

Turning heads

When Aditi was still a teenager, she was the lone Indian golfer participating in the Asian Youth Games of 2013, the Youth Olympics, and the Asian Games in 2014. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she emerged as the youngest competitor among all golfers, securing the 41st position, not a bright spot yet a milestone of sorts for the youngster who was trying hard to make a mark internationally.

She had got successful in clinching the National Junior Championship consecutively in 2012, 2013, and 2014, holding both junior and senior titles simultaneously in 2014. Following her victory in the Ladies British Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 2015, she had transitioned to the professional circuit the following year.

The golfer made history by becoming the youngest and the first Indian to triumph in the Lalla Aicha Qualifying School, earning her Ladies European Tour card for the 2016 season. This achievement marked her as the youngest victor of a Q School for an international tour.

Aditi Ashok

She secured her landmark win at the 2016 Hero Women’s Indian Open, carding an impressive 3-under-par 213. This victory established her as the first Indian winner of a Ladies European Tour (LET) title. Her success in a country traditionally fixated on cricket brought exceptional attention to the sport of golf.

International triumphs

Since then Aditi has been performing consistently well at major international golf tournaments creating a mark for herself. The dedicated player remarked, “I think the game itself is pretty motivating. Every day is different. Just having played well yesterday or last week does not guarantee anything this week. You are always on your toes to improve every aspect of your game.”

In a remarkable year for Indian women golfers, Aditi Ashok’s 2023 triumphs, securing victories and marking history alongside Diksha Dagar has contributed to India’s glory in the global stage of golf.

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Published on 03, Dec 2023

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Economist extraordinaire: Dhruv Gaur is working towards drug stigma and inequality

(June 10, 2023) The global epidemic of drug consumption continues to cast a dark shadow, infiltrating societies across continents and leaving devastating consequences in its wake. What’s worse is it impacts the most vulnerable and stigmatised populations. In fact, according to he Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), between January 2021 and June 2021, about 1,150 youngsters aged 14 to 18 died from drug overdose in the US, and about 47 percent of adolescents started consuming illicit drugs upon graduation from high school. Trying to devise a solution for this pervasive crisis, is a young economist, Dhruv Gaur, who is delving deep into the study of drug use, homelessness, housing insecurity, poverty, and inequality through the lens of economic and epidemiological inference. The recent recipient of the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, Dhruv is working with various communities to raise awareness about the growing overdose epidemic and advocate for overdose prevention policy. An ambitious, pre-doctoral research fellow at Harvard University, the young economist is currently chasing the causes of inequalities in health and higher education in the USA. "I actively engage in studying the US overdose crisis, lending my expertise to the critical work of

ation in the USA.

"I actively engage in studying the US overdose crisis, lending my expertise to the critical work of generating research and shaping policies aimed at safeguarding individuals who use drugs from the perils of overdose and other drug-related harms," shares Dhruv, as he connects with Global Indian for an interview, adding, "I also play a crucial role in the maintenance and management of PreventOverdoseRI.org, a dedicated website specifically designed to combat the overdose crisis. I am determined to contribute to the collective mission of putting an end to the devastating impact of drug overdose in our community."

A curious cat

Even though Dhruv was born in the USA, the youngster shares that his family ensured that he grew up knowing and learning about his roots. "Both my parents are doctors, and they came over to the United States of America after finishing med school in India. I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where my parents were completing their medical training. We later shifted to a town in Northeast Georgia," says the young economist, adding, "I grew up around a very tight-knit and supportive Indian community. My parents were quite keen on instilling Indian values in me and my brother, so over weekends, they would drive us to Balvihar, which is a Hindi school."

[caption id="attachment_30931" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Dhruv with his family[/caption]

As brilliant as he was, the economist shares that he was also quite a curious child, who not only loved to learn new things but also to pass on the knowledge. "I loved to read, just about anything that I could get my hands on," he shares, adding, "During my high school years, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at Balvihar as a teaching assistant. Little did I know that this experience would ignite within me a deep passion for teaching and mentoring. It was during those moments spent guiding and supporting others that I realised my aspirations to pursue a career as a professor. The impact of that experience has remained with me, shaping my path and fueling my dedication to education and the profound influence it can have on shaping lives."

A true changemaker

After finishing school, the youngster enrolled at Brown University to study economics and public health policy. Driven by the devastating overdose crisis plaguing his hometown, Dhruv became a part of the People, Place, and Health Collective, contributing as an undergraduate researcher. He actively published academic articles that shed light on crucial aspects of the crisis, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

The economist also played a pivotal role in maintaining real-time data resources, serving as a foundation for Rhode Island's informed and evidence-based response to the overdose crisis. Through his dedication and contributions, Dhruv has become an instrumental force in the ongoing efforts to combat the overdose epidemic and promote effective policy interventions.

"I held the role of an outreach team leader and finance chair for Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE), an organisation driven by students that focuses on direct service and advocacy for homelessness. With HOPE, I led a dedicated night-time homeless outreach team every week, striving to address the immediate needs of individuals experiencing street homelessness and ensuring they are connected to essential resources. I also engaged in advocating for housing policies at both the city and state level in Rhode Island, aiming to effect positive change and promote equitable access to safe and stable housing for all," the economist shares.

The power of giving

But Dhruv's journey hasn't been all about books. In 2018, the economist made his mark on the television show Jeopardy! College Championship trivia tournament, emerging as the victorious contestant and securing a substantial prize of $100,000.

Wait, that's not all... The following year, he returned to the Jeopardy! stage, capturing the attention of the entire USA for a profoundly heartfelt reason. Answering host Alex Trebek's Final Jeopardy question, Dhruv put his heart on his screen, writing, “We (heart) you Alex!”, showing his support for the host who was battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The gesture moved Alex to tears, and he could only manage to say, "That’s very kind of you."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BNH7UTaL-M

Seizing the opportunity to make a difference, Dhruv utilised the platform and the immense public interest to launch a national fundraising campaign dedicated to pancreatic cancer research and successfully raised over $100,000, leaving an indelible impact on both the fight against pancreatic cancer and the power of compassionate unity. "While I was at the show, Alex took a moment to visit the contestants in the green room. It was quite evident that he wasn't doing so well," shares the youngster, adding, "Later, when I stepped onto the stage, fully aware that winning the game was an unlikely outcome, I thought I could use this opportunity to support someone in need."

Interestingly, the economist grabbed the attention of well-known American television host, Ellen Lee DeGeneres, who called him to be on her show a few days later. Impressed by his efforts, Ellen too donated $25,000 toward pancreatic cancer research.

Miles to go

Currently, Dhruv working as a pre-doctoral research fellow alongside esteemed economists Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Nathaniel Hendren at Harvard University. The young economist is focused on studying the profound inequalities that exist within the realms of health and higher education. Driven by an unwavering commitment to understanding the root causes and far-reaching consequences of severe marginalization, such as drug overdose, homelessness, and poverty, Dhruv aspires to pursue a doctoral degree in economics.

"Through my research pursuits, I strive to unearth valuable insights that have the potential to shape transformative policies, uplifting individuals from these challenging circumstances and fostering a society that is both equitable and inclusive. I aim to contribute to the collective effort of building a brighter and more just future for all," he expresses.

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Hasti Modi ‘IGNITES’ greenery with 50,000 tree plantations

(April 14, 2023) Growing up in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, while Hasti Modi marvelled at the colours that nature provided to life, she was appalled at the lackadaisical approach of the public administrative system to protect greenery. Although they did their duty of planting saplings these were usually short-lived publicity initiatives, aimed at the media. The saplings would not get the care they needed to grow into trees. After making their one-day initiative popular in media and social media, they forgot all about nurturing them. As a fifteen-year-old, yearning to do something about this, Hasti started the NGO IGNITE. She mobilised the citizens of Bhavnagar to make their beloved city greener. In the last eight years, her organisation, which partnered with another NGO, Green City, has planted more than 50,000 saplings so far, with the active participation of Bhavnagar citizens. [caption id="attachment_29259" align="aligncenter" width="853"] Hasti Modi[/caption] The volunteers of both organisations did not stop at just plantation, they ensured that the plants were nurtured as well. The volunteers in our drives have been people of all age groups, starting from seven-year-old kids to 75-year-old senior citizens,” says Hasti who now works with Ernst and Young in Rome, Italy. Smart

on, which partnered with another NGO, Green City, has planted more than 50,000 saplings so far, with the active participation of Bhavnagar citizens.

[caption id="attachment_29259" align="aligncenter" width="853"] Hasti Modi[/caption]

The volunteers of both organisations did not stop at just plantation, they ensured that the plants were nurtured as well. The volunteers in our drives have been people of all age groups, starting from seven-year-old kids to 75-year-old senior citizens,” says Hasti who now works with Ernst and Young in Rome, Italy.

Smart collaborations

As a fifteen-year-old, Hasti had not forayed into social activism just for the sake of it. To fulfil her purpose, she invited local celebrities like Jitubhai Vaghani (the-then MLA of Bhavnagar), Deven Sheth (founder of Green City Trust Foundation, an industrialist and nature enthusiast), as well as the principal and vice-principal of her school, to her first tree plantation drive. This added a lot of buzz to the drive, garnering the interest of local citizens and motivating them to volunteer for the cause.

[caption id="attachment_29253" align="aligncenter" width="651"] Tree plantation drive in Bhavnagar[/caption]

It was in that event that Deven Sheth asked Hasti to collaborate and join hands with Green City, as they were working to achieve the same goal. “I am deeply grateful to Deven Sheth for seeing potential in me that day and giving me the opportunity. I will continue to promote this noble cause wherever I go, irrespective of country borders, culture, age and nationality,” says the twenty-four-year-old, in an interview with Global Indian.

Continuing with the drive in London

When Hasti got selected to study at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), she did not forget her purpose and continued her drive there as well. She worked tirelessly for a few months to find the right collaborators for tree plantation in London. “I follow the spiritual philosophy propounded by Dada Bhagwan Foundation (Ahmedabad, Gujarat). When I moved there for my masters, I organised tree plantation drives in London for all the foundation members based out of the UK, as well as for other residents and LSE students. says the youngster who won Diana Award for her initiatives in 2022.

[caption id="attachment_29256" align="aligncenter" width="569"] Tree plantation drive in London[/caption]

“Simon Joshua (a collaborator in Harrow) had the necessary resources and so he arranged for everything while I coordinated and invited the members of the foundation. We planted a record 500 saplings,” Hasti says.

Life abroad and COP26

Always a good student, Hasti pursued her bachelors at Ahmedabad University. She received the RSB France Honour, which is an Honorary Mention given by the Rennes School of Business (RSB) for being the only student across the Business school to score the highest possible grade in all courses despite taking maximum credits in a term. “I am immensely grateful to Ahmedabad University, which sent me to RSB for a semester exchange, and of course, absolutely grateful to RSB for the phenomenal exposure,” she says.

Another opportunity that Hasti is grateful for is the chance to be a part of the COP26 summit last year, not as a participant but as a host to hundreds of senior experts engaged in sustainability and governance initiatives across the globe. “It was an extraordinary experience. I am grateful to Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP) for giving me this opportunity,” she says.

Recently, she also got an opportunity to give a speech at the global UNICEF online platform, after being selected as a UNICEF changemaker for its OurFuturePledge campaign.

Always a proud patriot, Hasti says, “I plan to work and contribute immensely, first at an international level in the field of public policy and administration. In the long term, I intend to focus all my energy, time and resources to serve my country. I will carry the vision and mission of my NGO, IGNITE, to whichever part of the world I go and get more and more people involved into it,” she mentions.

The youngster belongs to a business family. Her father is a fourth-generation businessman in their 142-year-old, Indian traditional clothing business based in Bhavnagar, while her mother is a dietician by profession.

Follow Hasti Modi on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram

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Meet Ridi Oswal, the singer-songwriter and anti-bullying activist

(June 29, 2024) Meet 20-year-old Ridi Oswal, a dynamic young musician, a changemaker, and a student of engineering who defies the trope with her work across different fields and her unwavering commitment to her passions. She released her debut song, Top Guy, on her YouTube channel in 2021. The Indo-European pop fusion song reflects her multicultural upbringing and is an empowering anthem about standing up against injustice. She and her sister Vasundhara are also the co-founders of Stop the B! a movement dedicated to raising awareness and supporting victims of bullying. Stop the B! has been endorsed by celebrities like footballer Ronaldinho Gaucho and Ridi became the youngest panelist ever at the UNESCO World Anti-Bullying Forum. Born and raised in Switzerland, the child of global entrepreneurs Pankaj and Radhika Oswal, Ridi was surrounded by a diverse array of cultural influences from an early age, thanks to her father's ventures in different industries, including petrochemicals, mining, real estate, and fertilizers. Even as a child, it was music that truly captured her heart. Starting her musical education at the tender age of four, Ridi found herself drawn to the rhythms and melodies that would eventually define her unique sound. "I grew up

ine her unique sound.

"I grew up in a world of music from all over the world, and music became my language from a very young age," the young musician recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. Influenced by legends such as AR Rahman and Beyoncé, she began to blend Western pop with Indian melodies, creating a sound that resonated with a broad audience. By the age of eight, she was already experimenting with her music, constantly evolving and refining her style.

Being in the music industry since a tender age meant continuous learning, growth, and taking risks while staying true to herself. Her music draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, from classical Indian masters to modern pop icons, through their lyrics and melody.

Debut and Musical Philosophy

Ridi’s debut song, Top Guy released in 2021 on her YouTube channel RealRidi was a significant milestone. The song, an empowering anthem about standing up against injustice, is an Indo-European pop fusion reflecting her multicultural upbringing. "Top Guy felt like everything I had been working towards. It was the moment I started sharing my music with the world," Ridi shares.

Her music is a reflection of her life's journey and cultural heritage. Describing her genre as "Indo-European pop," Ridi’s compositions are a blend of Indian classical music and the French beats she encountered in Switzerland. This fusion allows her to explore different musical textures and connect with people on a deeper level. "The biggest gift my music has given me is the ability to connect with people," she says. Her songs aim to inspire listeners to stand up for their beliefs, a theme that is central to her musical philosophy.

Championing Anti-Bullying Through "Stop The B!"

Beyond her music, Ridi is also a passionate advocate against bullying. Her own experiences with bullying in her early teens led her and her sister Vasundhara to co-found Stop The B! a movement dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those affected by bullying. "We wanted to create a space to spread awareness, support, and be the allies we didn’t have during our youth," she explains.

[caption id="attachment_38435" align="aligncenter" width="359"] Ridi Oswal[/caption]

Stop The B! has gained significant recognition, becoming the world's first youth-led anti-bullying campaign. It has been endorsed by prominent figures such as footballer Ronaldinho Gaúcho and organizations like the United Nations. A highlight for Ridi was being the youngest panelist ever at the UNESCO World Anti-Bullying Forum, where she advocated for teenage mental health on social media.

The campaign’s impact has been profound. "We have raised awareness about the prevalence and harm of bullying behaviors. But more importantly, we have empowered thousands of young people to know they are not alone and that there is help available," Ridi says. Stop The B! provides resources and support for victims, encouraging them to stand up for themselves and each other.

Balancing Academics and Music

Currently pursuing a degree in chemical engineering in London, the youngster adeptly balances her academic pursuits with her musical career. The transition from Switzerland to London brought its own set of adjustments, but Ridi embraces the challenge, maintaining a dedicated focus on both her studies and her passion for music.

Despite living in different parts of the world, Ridi remains deeply connected to her Indian roots. "Absolutely, you can call me an Indian at heart," she affirms. Music is a primary way she stays connected to her heritage, blending Indo-European pop to reflect the melodies of her childhood home in India and the beats she discovered in Switzerland.

Ridi is particularly proud of her achievement as the youngest panelist to speak at the UNESCO World Anti-Bullying Forum, a testament to her commitment to making a difference. Looking ahead, she plans to continue pushing the boundaries of her music, exploring new themes, and deepening her connection with her audience.

Looking Ahead

As she continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, her future promises even more ground breaking music and meaningful contributions to the fight against bullying. Her latest song, Make It All Make Sense has been met with an outpouring of love from fans, and she is already working on new tracks that blend various sounds. Exciting collaborations are also on the horizon, promising new dimensions to her musical journey.

"I aim to keep pushing the limits of my music, delving into unfamiliar themes, and developing a deeper bond with the people who listen to it," Ridi says. She also plans to expand Stop The B! to further its mission as a powerful anti-bullying platform. "I will take both paths—engineering and music—because why should women be expected to choose only one?"

Ridi Oswal's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passions. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination and a deep connection to one's roots, it is possible to make a lasting impact. As she continues to chart her path, her music and advocacy will undoubtedly inspire and uplift those who hear her voice.

QUICK TAKES:

Music idols: Don’t have one. I like to listen to all different artists and genres. That’s what inspires me the most.
The top song on your playlist right now is: Mocking Bird by Eminem. He’s such an awesome lyricist.
Indian music you like: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's songs are my favorite Indian music style.
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Inspired by tragedy: Ishika Binu is working on making roads safer for everyone

(November 11, 2022) It was a usual day for the then 13-year-old Ishika Binu and her younger sister, when both of them stepped out with their caretaker to attend their daily Bharatnatyam class. While they were on their way a vehicle rammed into their car, throwing it completely off-balance. "It was a horrible accident," recounts now 17-year-old student, as she connects with Global Indian, from Washington. "When the car collided, I was shouting my sister's name. She was very still and I feared that she was dead. She was shifted to the Harborview Hospital in Seattle, while I remained at Evergreen due to my concussion. She stayed in the Intensive Care Unit for several days with multiple spinal fractures, a sternum fracture, and internal spleen bleeding." [caption id="attachment_24083" align="aligncenter" width="522"] Ishika Binu[/caption] While the accident left a lifelong scar on Ishika's memory, it did force her to realise the importance of road safety measures. Her recovery period gave Ishika the time to do a lot of research about road accidents across the world. The high school student found that millions of people lose their lives - either on spot or waiting for medical assistance - after meeting with an accident.

importance of road safety measures. Her recovery period gave Ishika the time to do a lot of research about road accidents across the world. The high school student found that millions of people lose their lives - either on spot or waiting for medical assistance - after meeting with an accident. "We were lucky to be fully under my father's insurance. However, several people cannot afford their medical bills, and that pains me," shares the teenager.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4CSSnbrkw0

Inspired by the tragedy that struck her family, Ishika decided to focus on safe driving for her Girl Scouts project. Earlier this year, the Washington-based student won the National Gold Scholarship Award for her Safe Drive project - which is the highest award in Girl Scouts. She is also the founder of an NGO, Arts4Assistance, which supports families who have any unexpected medical needs.

A passionate youngster

Born in Washington to two young computer engineers from Kerala, Ishika was always attracted to performing arts - especially Indian classical dance forms. "I am heavily invested in performing arts and dancing. I have been taking formal classes since I was just four years old, and have performed on various platforms as well." Proud of her Indian roots, Ishika shares that her family celebrates Onam every year in a grand fashion.

[caption id="attachment_24084" align="aligncenter" width="589"] Binu sisters, during a Bharatanatyam performance[/caption]

For someone who finds silver linings even in the most tragic situations, she reminisces that it was the paramedic, who helped her and her sister, that played a catalyst in changing the way she thinks. "He told me that he had to be calm, to be able to help people. If he panicked, the people who are already scared might lose all hope. I was very inspired by that and today I completely base all my thought processes around that. Even when I was in the hospital, I was aware of the various issues the patients and their families were facing. Those small things motivated me to start the safe driving Girl Scouts project," shares the student.

After years of rehab and therapy, both Ishika and her younger sister, Rithika, are not only fine now, but have also performed Bharatanatyam at various events. To be able to use her art form to help others, Ishika started the NGO, Arts4Assistance. "We loved performing on the stage, and it is a big part of our lives. I plan to become a doctor when I grow up but don't want to stop doing things that make me happy due to work pressure. And I figured, many young people still like to pursue their hobbies despite having a tight work schedule. And what better than to use those performances to help other people. With that thought I started Arts4Assistance, a platform where artists can submit art pieces and performances to help raise funds for families who have any kind of unexpected medical needs," says the student.

Giving back to the society

Around the same time that Ishika was working on her Girl Scouts project, another unfortunate incident shook her. Her grandfather, who lived in Kerala, suffered a heart attack and wasn’t able to make 911 call to get an ambulance like in the US. "Having been in an accident, I knew what important role ambulances play in the patient getting timely treatment. My father made me more aware of the healthcare situation in India."

[caption id="attachment_24085" align="aligncenter" width="596"] MLA D.K. Murali flagging off the ambulance service in the Kallara village[/caption]

The youngster, with help from the Girl Scouts of Western Washington, worked remotely to implement ambulance services in the Kerala village, which was flagged off on April 2, 2022. "I realised that just spreading awareness on the prevention of road accidents is not enough. We must find a way to provide emergency medical services. I identified places that lacked proper medical transportation services in Kerala and contacted the Kallara panchayat to help improve their medical infrastructure. I raised funds for the ambulance service with the help of volunteers, and other art shows and performances in Washington," shares the young student, who is currently working on a similar project in Africa.

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Meet Nikhil Kumar, the young table tennis champion representing the USA internationally

(July 18, 2023) Indian-Americans are not just making waves in the business and political worlds, but also in the world of sports. Many young Indian-origin athletes are representing the USA in different tournaments and bringing home medals. One such champion is California-based 20-year-old table tennis player Nikhil Kumar - who is the second youngest table tennis paddler from the US, who qualified for the Tokyo Olympics three years back. The champion displayed remarkable talent by becoming the U9 National Champion and U10 runner-up in both the prestigious US Open and US Nationals competitions. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Nikhil was chosen to represent his country in the highly esteemed World Cadet Championship. However, it was at the tender age of 12 that he truly made his mark by securing the first rank in the North American tournament organised by ITTF. Gearing up to represent the USA in the next Olympics, the champion is also pursuing Computer Science at one of the most prestigious academic institutions — the University of California in Berkeley. "I feel great to have qualified for the Olympics," the Global Indian said during an interview, "For me, being one of the younger ones does not make

stigious academic institutions — the University of California in Berkeley. "I feel great to have qualified for the Olympics," the Global Indian said during an interview, "For me, being one of the younger ones does not make a difference because throughout my career I have been facing opponents and having teammates that were at least a couple of years older than me table tennis is a game of skills, not of age."

A happy accident

Son of a software professional couple, who moved to the USA from Kerala, Nikhil picked up the table tennis paddle out of sheer boredom. "I started playing table tennis when I was about five or six years old because I wanted a hobby," the champion shared, "I was introduced to the sport when I joined summer camps at the India Community Center (ICC) in Milpitas, California. It was just one of the many different activities I was involved in. I started training more actively at the age of eight with Anil Kashyap."

[caption id="attachment_31965" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Nikhil with his family[/caption]

Eventually, the youngster started taking part in local tournaments and also winning - which made him train harder and more regularly. After training with Kashyap till 2014, the champion was coached by Tao Wenzhang, who took him to international competitions including the World Championships in 2017. The arrival of Italian coach Massimo Constantini, known for his successful training of India's Commonwealth Table Tennis squad, had a profound impact on the performance of numerous players, including Nikhil. "Coach Massimo at ICC helped a lot with new techniques, and understanding the game. He has been a great guide to me since then and opened up more opportunities to train and play in international competitions," said the champion, who has been inspired by watching the members of the Chinese National team train and compete at international tournaments.

Paddling his way to glory

The left-handed attacking table tennis player truly made his mark after winning the 2017 ITTF Junior gold medal, which got him noticed by the USA Olympic selection team. However, his path was not without any thorns. The champion shared, "From the point of view of table tennis, I have had my share of wins and losses. There were a few competitions where I wished I had done better, but in the end, I lost out to someone stronger. Physically, I had challenges with growth spurts causing aches and pains from time to time."

Talking about his experience at the Olympic selection camp, he said, "My biggest challenge came earlier this year as we headed to the Olympic trials. Having played extremely well during the year, I was quite hopeful of making it. But as we got closer there were uncertainties thrown by way of changes in procedures etc that put a lot of pressure on me. There was a point in time at the beginning of the year when my coach advised me to take a break because of the pressure I was putting on myself. However, it all worked out in the end as my parents, coaches helped me get into the best shape to compete at the trials."

Training hard for the Olympics in Germany with many professional players, Nikhil is looking to take his game a notch higher. "My main goal is, of course, to be in the best shape I can be for the Olympics and produce the best results I can. Outside of that, I want to get into the top 100 for men’s ranking. Also, I just started pursuing Computer Science at UC Berkeley, and that is quite exciting," the champion shared.

Follow Nikhil Kumar on Instagram

Reading Time: 6 mins