MK Shridevi, a rower and an alumnus of MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai, believes a regular practice and fitness is vital to excel in the sport. One year of vigorous training enabled her to win awards and medals in state, national and international competitions. The 23- year-old is also a cricketer and an athlete.
The youngster was the state champion in volleyball in 2006 and 2007. She was also a part of the team that won the Mini National Level Volleyball Championship in 2006 and 2007. In 2011 and 2012, she was an All India University and state player for cricket. Shridevi has also won a bronze medal against Pune in All India University Rowing Tournament, which was held in 2012.
However, the journey has not been easy for Shridevi. “I used to have heavy workouts and practice sessions even during exams. So I couldn’t concentration well in exams. Once I had a match and an exam on the same day. I finished my match, was totally exhausted but I came back to college to take my exams, which was really difficult,” she says, who is thankful to her parents for supporting her.
Shridevi also speaks highly of her college administration — she spent five years at MOP Vaishnav. She completed her BA sociology and went on to graduate in MA media management. “My most memorable event was when I got International Player award from my principal. I am also proud of my parents, as they have a major share in my success. They galvanised me and never eliminated me from sports as I am a girl,” says Shridevi. “My college has also encouraged me to practise hard and gave equal opportunities to excel in sports and acedemics.“ Apart from being a versatile sports personality, Shridevi can dance and sing too.
— srimathisiyer@gmail.com