Dubai girl Tanisha on track to become an Olympian

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Tanisha Crasto, the top-ranked junior doubles player in India (KT File)
Tanisha Crasto, the top-ranked junior doubles player in India (KT File)

Dubai - Tanisha, who trains at the Pullela Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad, says young players like her will now get more opportunities to play international tournaments

By Rituraj Borkakoty

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Published: Fri 7 Aug 2020, 8:36 PM

Last updated: Fri 7 Aug 2020, 10:42 PM

Dubai's rising badminton star Tanisha Crasto - who has already represented India at the World Junior Badminton Championships - has moved a step closer to becoming an Olympic athlete.
The 17-year-old shuttler has been picked by the Badminton Association of India for the Sports Authority of India's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Under the scheme, the Indian government will train talented young Indian athletes from 12 disciplines and turn them into medal prospects at the 2024 and 2028 Olympics.
And Tanisha, the top-ranked junior doubles player in India, couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her name on the list of 258 athletes selected by the Indian government.
"I was in sleep actually, so I woke up with the shock because, you know, the Olympics have always been a dream for me," the Indian High School student told Khaleej Times on Friday.
"I always wanted to be in the Olympics and win a medal. So this is like a small starting step for me and getting the news was very exciting. It has really pumped me up. I need to work even harder now. Whatever I have achieved till now, it will be a new start for me. I need to work even harder and perform even better."
Tanisha, who trains at the Pullela Gopichand's academy in Hyderabad, says young players like her will now get more opportunities to play international tournaments.
"Everything will be taken care of by the government. And the Badminton Association of India now will focus on these young players and prepare them for the 2024 Paris Olympics. So as part of this scheme, I think we are going to be able to participate in many international tournaments, so you know, we can improve our rank and we won't have to struggle for getting an entry into the Olympics later. We will get better exposure playing more against the international players. Also we can get a personalised trainer and fitness coach," she said.
But Tanisha will not be leaving Dubai for India anytime soon due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I don't think I will be going to India this year because especially in Hyderabad, the Covid situation is really not that good," she said.
"So, I think, more than playing right now, it's important that I stay safe and keep myself healthy. But, yes, I will continue my training here in Dubai and follow the advice of my coaches in India.
"Moreover, my parents would feel better that I am here right now with them during the Covid pandemic. So this year I don't plan on going back, and the first three months of next year also I will be here because I have my 12th board exams."
rituraj@khalejtimes.com
 


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