BANGALORE: Sahil Sipani, the 13-year old Delhi Public School student proved his mettle when winning the under-17 singles titles in, both, the Suresh Kumar memorial and the Ramaiah Rajan memorial state ranking badminton tournaments in Bangalore.
He started playing badminton when he was nine years old. He says playing badminton is his hobby and gives him immense joy. When asked about his practice, Sahil said that this sport needs a lot of dedication, hard work and a lot of practice. ‘’I practice twice a day in two shifts, in the morning I practice from 5:30 to 07:00 and in the evening it is 03:15 to 04 :45 and find little time to relax,” said Sahil.
“I am very thankful to my coach BN Sudhakar, who trains me in an extra ordinary manner,” he said.
But how does he manage both studies and sports? “It is a simple way. I spends a few hours practicing and the rest of time in completing the pending notes (laughs).”
Like every sportsmen, Sahil too has a burning aspiration: To represent India. “My aim is represent Karnataka in the nationals which will be held in Bangalore next month and then represent India,” he said.
His inspiration? “My mother is my inspiration and it’s all because of her I stepped onto badminton courts,” he said.
“I am also very thankful to my family, coach and the school management for extending their support to me. But for their support, I would not have achieved what little I have till now,” he said.