Staying fit mentally & emotionally was essential: Shivangi Sharma

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: She is the new star in the horizon of swimming in India. Shivangi Sharma, who mesmerized the pool at Sarusajai Sports Complex through her magnificent performance during the Khelo India Youth Games, in a conversation with The Sentinel shared how she worked to keep herself fit during lockdown and also about her future goal. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Being a sportspersons it is difficult to take long break and stay away from the game. How did you spend the time during lockdown?

Shivangi: Yes. It's true. The period was really difficult for not only me but also the entire sports fraternity. Perhaps we have never faced such a long break in our career. There was no chance of training. It was essential to stay mentally, emotionally and physically fit during that period and I did try a lot for that.

TS: Elaborate a little.

Shivangi: We were told by our coaches that during the break when there is no training we should do a few things. One of them is to seat idle closing eyes for several minutes and start to think creating similar situation that I feel during participating in a competition or training. It helps to quickly accustom the condition once the athlete returns after the break. I am doing it on regular basis along with a few other activities which can keep my fitness intact.

TS: Have you received any help from any quarters during the COVID break?

Shivangi: Yes. First I would like to give thanks to our Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who on a couple of occasions talked to me and every time he tried to boost my level of confidence. I received full support from the Assam Olympic Association and Glenmark Aquatic Foundation where I do my training.

TS: Your performance graph was gradually going high when lockdown was imposed. Does this long break upset you?

Shivangi: Off course. I was really doing well before the break and was in good form. It is a very crucial time for me as I shall move from junior to senior level during a very short time. So I was working with some specify plans. However COVID-19 made the situation very critical and we have no other alternative but to stay at home following the guidelines of the government.

TS: What is your future goal?

Shivangi: My first target is to earn a selection in the Indian squad for the next Asian Games and win medal. Participation in Olympic and make podium finish is another important and crucial target which I shall try my best to achieve.

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