You Need To Be Highly Committed To Making Sports Your Career - Nimisha Setia

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I started playing handball when I was 10 years old. I used to practice every day, no matter if it was raining or if it was scorching in June. I got to participate in many state and national tournaments where I represented Delhi. 

After 8 years of regular practice and participation in national tournaments, I finally got the opportunity to represent India at Copper box international handball championship held in London. My life took a turn for the better. I was recognized and highly appreciated by people.

2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?

I realized that I enjoy playing handball, and I'm naturally wired to excel in it. Every job would demand efforts and time! So I chose to devote my efforts and time in doing something I love to do. My family has been supportive throughout my journey. 

Even when sometimes I felt like giving up, they encouraged me and made sure that I never lose hope or give up. They play an equally important role in my journey because if they had not to boost me up a time to time, I would have given up till now.

3. Who is your favourite player and what have you learnt from him/her?

My favourite player is Eduarda Amorim from Brazil. I've learnt that 'just because life isn't fair, you don't quit' from her. She gives her 100% till the last second of the match, even if the judgements are not being fair.

4. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?

You need to be highly committed to making sports your career. You need to give a lot of time to sports. When I was in school, I gave my 3 hours to it every day and then it took me 2 hours travelling to home. 

After the practice session and travelling, it was such a task to complete the school homework and submit projects on time. Also, I legit couldn't attend my elder sister's marriage because of a sports tournament.

5. How can we encourage more youngsters to take up sports as a full-time profession?

Nowadays youngsters are encouraged to take up sports and that too as a full-time profession when they watch the matches on the television and start to adore the players. 

Once they begin to cherish the player, they start building interest in that particular sport. Once they develop an interest in that sport, they must be provided with the affordable and necessary equipment or maybe academies where they can learn the sport. 

Every other guy wants to be like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni nowadays. It is one of the easiest ways to encourage youngsters to take up sports as a full-time profession.

6. Which is your favourite book, and why?

My favourite book is 'The Mamba Mentality: How I play'. Mamba Mentality is a book written about basketball legend Kobe Bryant. This book is not purely about basketball, but how he succeeded through tough times and what his mindset was like. 

It inspired me a lot as, if I can take just a little of what Kobe has taught, I would be a much better player than I am.

Interview by - Kashish Jain