Shuttle star
Mahima Agarwal aims at bagging all the titles in the nationals at Jaipur
Sporting prodigy Mahima Agarwal at one of her practice sessions
There are not many ten-year-olds who nurse ambitions of being a chartered accountant and the next Saina Nehwal simultaneously. Displaying a certain amount of confidence and poise, Mahima Agarwal, a top under-13 badminton player for Karnataka aims toachieve that goal soon. She says, “I do not think it would be difficult.”
In the information age where the TV and the Internet rule the lives of most children, Mahima spends nearly five hours practicing at the nets six days a week. When she is not practicing, her school and studies keep her occupied. For this fifth standard student of the Frank Anthony Public School in Cambridge Layout, the routine is something she enjoys thoroughly. Her badminton career began three and a half years ago when she attended a summer camp at the Indiranagar Club. Within the first two months of training, she managed to reach the semi finals of a State level tournament. Over the next three and a half years, she went on to bag 20 titles, including the singles and doubles events at the under-10 and under-13 level.
Mahima has also been the recipient many awards such as the Karnataka Badminton Association’s Player of the year award in ‘07 and ‘08 and the Best Promising player in ’07. She aims to bag all the titles in her age group in the Nationals, scheduled to be held at Jaipur later this year.
Talking about her coach, Murali, she says, “He has been my mentor. He was the person who recognised and nurtured my talent. His support has been important to my success.” Family support plays a very essential role in shaping the career of young sportspersons. In Mahima’s case, the family has provided support and encouragement. Shiv Agarwal, her father, who manages…More
