Panaji: Local hope Sampada Kavlekar, who won the Silver Medal for Sqay Martial Arts at the recently concluded 37th National Games in Goa, said that support of parents is important for athletes to succeed in any sport. Kavlekar said that she has been associated with Sqay since 2009 when it was introduced in Goa and started playing in 2011, and credits her father for pushing her to take up the sport.
Prior to her debut in the 37th National Games, she had participated in the School Nationals four times. “Representing the state at the National Games and winning the silver medal has made my parents happy. I dedicate it to my parents who have supported me wholeheartedly. My father put me in classes which got me excited. I wish everyone gets such supportive parents,” she said.
Speaking about her preparation for the National Games, Kavlekar said the government held a 45 days residential camp at Cansaulim where diet and other needs were taken care of. “I was expecting gold but I am happy with silver. Next, I want to participate in Khelo India Games and also in the next National Games in Uttarakhand, for which I am preparing,” she said.
Kavlekar is hopefully that many more youngsters will take up the sport. “It is a technical discipline, and an original Indian sport. If it goes international, it will be a proud moment for the country. Education is important, but the confidence one gets from extra-curricular activities to move ahead in life cannot be achieved anywhere,” she added.