Find out how Kirandeep chiselled her way to becoming a national-level gymnast.
We bet that many of you are not aware of ‘Rhythmic Gymnastics’ as a sport. So, today we bring for you a promising and motivating experience of a sportsperson who through her hard work, determination and focus made a name not only for herself but also for the sport. Without further ado, let us quickly read how Kirandeep has made way for the future gymnasts in India.n
n“I started playing the sport at a very young age as my parents were gymnasts too, but I perused it only as a hobby. It was only in class 11th that I decided to change my school, and the sport became my identity. The sport brought me exposure in terms of travelling to different cities for competitions and meeting new people.nn
The journey has not been comfortable, in any case. When I started, I found out that there are no professional coaches available in India for the sport, but I did not give up. I trained myself through YouTube videos for straight three years. I dreamt of participating in Commonwealth games, but I knew that without any professional training, my dream would remain a dream as I lacked confidence, technique and poise. So, in 2017 I came across a training program in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and I decided to pursue it. The camp was free of cost, but one had to bear the cost of accommodation and travel. It was only after this program that I came across the proper techniques required for Rhythmic Gymnastics. The course involved an intensive training program with practices and test schedules that barely gave one any time to breathe. I saw a drastic change in my performance and realised the lack of awareness around the sport in India. n
nDuring the 2018 Commonwealth Games, I had a fair chance of selection and representing India at the International level but then came a blow from the organising committee. They put a cap on the number of participants to 500 inclusive of Physiotherapists, Doctors, Coaches and Helpers. Rhythmic gymnast being one of the least touched upon sports, had only one seat for the participant and that too without a Coach. The seat was allotted to our most deserving senior player. n
nPost this experience, I took this as the mission to become a Certified Coach for Rhythmic Gymnastics. I decided to further continue the training with the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) – the governing body of competitive gymnastics around the world to become a certified International Rhythmic Gymnastics coach. This is again a week-long intensive session with 30 female participants across the globe. We had to appear for four exams inclusive of one theoretical subject. When I saw other candidates, I realised that India lacks way behind in professional coaching for the sport. I was the youngest there, least experienced in the groups and scared out of my wits. The most challenging part of the entire experience was when I had to coach Russian children who only knew how to speak in the Slavic language. However, I managed and got my certificate of Level 1. Now I can train adults and kids. I had to appear for Level 2 this year, but due to COVID-19, everything has been delayed. n
nPresently, I am training toddlers, senior athletes and international players. I also do sessions with summer schools and try to spread awareness about the sport. I believe that Indians have a talent for the sport, but it all goes unnoticed as there is no one to identify and polish it.nI further look forward to changing this situation and spreading awareness to the best of my ability”. n
nTeam MOWE on behalf of the citizens of India, request the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to encourage Rhythmic Gymnastics as a sport in India and create a provision for proper training facilities. The talent for this beautiful sport should not go unrecognised. Also, anyone who is interested in training for Rhythmic Gymnastics can contact Kirandeep through mail or DM her on Instagram. (Mail: kirandeeprg@gmail.com; Instagram Handle: kirandeeppabla). n
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