Dehradun: On the occasion of National Sports Day, Indian basketball team's skipper Vishesh Bhriguvanshi was honoured with Arjuna Award. Vishesh in an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat opened up about his 19-years journey in the game and said that winning Arjuna Award was one of the most beautiful moments of his life.
Vishesh, who was interested in basketball since childhood, used to think that it is very difficult to get selected in the Indian basketball team. But after a lot of efforts and hard work, he was picked in India's team in 2008.
Not just that but in 2010 he also became the captain of the national side and now for almost a decade he is leading the Indian side. His side saw many ups and downs but did not lose hope and kept on performing.
Almost every athlete in this world was hit by the lockdown imposed due to pandemic COVID-19. Talking about the same Vishesh said that it also impacted him. He also mentioned that it is very difficult to maintain social distancing in the game of Basketball.
"Obviously, we haven't played any game since the lockdown and there is not practice as well. We are trying to keep ourselves fit as we stay home," said Vishesh.
"One message that I would like to give to the youngsters i.e. work hard and you can achieve anything that you dream off. Sports should be played with fun but if you take it professionally then you will definitely make an impact on the world level."
Vishesh has helped India to win a 3x3 basketball gold medal at the Asian Beach Games in 2008 and has since been playing in every major FIBA Asia Championship and representing India. He has won three national champions domestically with Indian Railways and, in 2011, was appointed by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation as it's Brand Ambassador.
