Kavita aiming for gold

For Kavita,carrom runs in the family. She inherited carrom skills from her parents who have been national champions in the 90’s. Watching her parents spend time at home with carrom,she began the game as a recreation. She won her first title as a 14-year-old in the junior’s category.

Although the list of titles has constantly increased since then her father,who happens to be her coach,made sure she possesses the talent to become one of the top five players in the world before jumping into the game full-time. “Initially I had given her a two year period to show me results,otherwise she would go back to studies. But she had the talent and now she is making us proud,” said her father cum coach US Somanchi.

Playing all year round in institutional tournaments along with the federation tournaments,the RBI employee feels that she needs to work a lot harder to keep raising her performance graph,“Now it has been years playing carrom,so there is no drastic change in her style of play. The pressure handling and mental fitness need to be worked upon.”

After having participated in world’s best tournaments so far,Kavita looks forward to sponsors coming in for carrom. Carrom has secured her a job but she feels that youngsters will only pick up a game like this if they spot monetary stability which is lacking currently.

“Our achievements should be highlighted by the media. We also play at the international level and win medals like any other game. I believe with consistent coverage for carrom,many sponsors and young players can be roped in,” signed off Kavita.