Hyderabad: Paralympics-bound shuttler Palak Kohli has been under the pump many times. She was born with a deformed left hand. A few years later, she found her class 12 exams clashing with a qualifying tournament in Peru.
But going by her resilience, it's as if nothing can bog her down. She currently holds the fifth rank which is enough for qualification in the Paralympics as the top six contenders will take on each other in the mega event.
This month the Sports Ministry included her in Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) following repeated appeals and the grant has now opened the doors for better practice and preparation in the run-up to Tokyo Games.
The 18-year-old opened up with ETV Bharat in an exclusive interview and touched upon her journey and dream of bringing medal for India.
Excerpts:
Q. We have all heard about your preparation during the lockdown in Lucknow where you were provided a makeshift camp. How is your training going now?
A. Yes…lockdown was a tough period for me and in fact for everyone but since my coach had foreseen the situation, he had already procured many equipments and also arranged for outdoor courts for our training.
Practice wise it’s a blessing for me. I could get much more attention from my coach and he worked on my action and let me learn various deceptive strokes besides improving my backhand. Even the air blow has helped me attain accuracy in strokes in challenges conditions.
Presently, my training is going superb over here at Gaurav Khanna Excellia Badminton Academy, Lucknow. Since 2017, the time when I started playing badminton, I have been training here in Lucknow.
Q. Even after putting in a request to Sports Minister, there was a delay in getting you included in TOPS. Any complaints?
A. It's not a complaint to anyone but to conditions and circumstances. At the International events during Olympic year, I had attained 5th world ranking and hence got the eligibility to qualify for Tokyo Paralympics. I was expecting my name to be announced by the BWF on April 20 but unfortunately, it could not happen due to outbreak of COVID-19. So, it's because of the circumstances due to which my inclusion in TOPS was delayed.
Hon'ble Minister sir is very kind to consider my name for TOPS. I wish to remain positive and concentrate on my training with full dedication and devotion.
Q. Tell us the difference it is going to make now in your preparation.
A. It’s a great support from the government and a great feeling that I will get all the support from them for the preparations of Paralympics 2021. It has given me confidence and I have my eyes on Tokyo now.
My coach Mr Gaurav Khanna sir is working upon all my training and overall improvement including making me learn deceptive strokes besides sharp half-smashes and strong backhand which I would need while partnering with Parul Parmar didi. The targets are very high and I have more than 7 months to prepare for Tokyo Paralympics 2021. And I have support from the government now. It's time for me to prove and reciprocate with fruitful results.
Q. Is there any other problem you are facing or have faced?
A. Instead of “problem” I would like to use the word “challenges”. Being a minor girl and having different ability; no one took me seriously. When I started indulging in sports activities, people discouraged me due to my physical issues. Even when I entered into badminton circuit, my father was advised by senior players that there is no need to spend much on my practice and participation. No one expected that I will become a strong contender to qualify for Tokyo Paralympics except my coach and my parents.
Now the forecast has become real but new challenges await and I am happy to face and go through.
Q. Let's talk about Tokyo Paralympics. What's your goal and expectations going into the world's biggest sporting event?
A. As Para-Badminton has been included for the very first time in Paralympics Events, Tokyo Paralympics is going to be the most exciting event for all of us. The top 6 players in the world will get qualified for the games. It’s a great opportunity for me as my ranking is world no.5 and I am eligible to take part in the Tokyo Paralympics.
It's like a dream come true and in a very short time. It's also giving me a proud feeling that I would become the youngest qualifier in the world to qualify for Tokyo Paralympics.
Q. What about your training in singles event.
A. I have faced injuries for long durations. I have been on rehabilitation and away from singles. But, I am fortunate that I got a good time for recovery without hampering my training. I have overcome with the injury and during the lockdown, I have learnt various deceptive strokes.
I have to make a comeback strongly in singles too and Olympics is the best opportunity to do that.I also have Asian Youth Games in Behrin in 2021 and I am confident to bring medals for the country in singles too.
Q. What is your focus now?
A. Paralympics and nothing else
Q. Tell us how has Welspun helped in your sporting endeavours.
A. Since childhood I have been watching Welspun advertisement on TV on various products but never thought that one day I would be a part of it. I am too much grateful to Welspun for the support and comfort zone they are providing me. I am in XIIth Standard and Welspun is not only playing a big role for my sports training but also supporting me in my education.
By Ayushmaan Pandey
