BENGALURU: Indian Throwball team returned home with Gold after registering a win against Sri Lanka, a few weeks ago. Another reason to celebrate this win is that Bengalurean Krupa G P led the team to victory. The team is now warming up to head to Indonesia for another thrilling match next month. During an exclusive chat with City Express, Krupa spoke about her beginnings, how she helps bridge cultural barriers within the team and much more.
Excerpts
We have heard about women taking up cricket, tennis, badminton, etc. What prompted you to take up throwball?
I am a native of Giriyapura near Kadur, in Chikkamagaluru. I studied in a government school here and had never even heard of throwball until I came to Bengaluru for college. Back in school I was a very good athlete. In fact, I was great at tracks. It was in Sheshadripuram College I was introduced to throwball and post that, there was no stopping me. I graduated, got into an MNC, but that did not stop me from following my passion. Alongside my 9-6 job, I was also playing tourneys. Finally in 2007 I was selected to be a part of national team. The first match was against Dubai and we walked out with the cup, which makes it more special. My father Prasad has been my greatest strength throughout. Whatever I have achieved today, it is because of his encouragement.
As a throwball player, what are the challenges you face?
Sponsorship. Many individuals and organisations come forward to sponsor cricket or badminton. But other sports are mostly cornered. Throwball too joins that list. But over years I must say it has improved a lot, thanks to Ramana sir, General Secretary of Throwball Federation. We are getting good sponsors now and I thank the sponsors for acknowledging the sport. But we still need that big push. And as a player, every game is a challenge and every challenge will push you to perform better.
How is the captaincy treating you? As a captain what are the challenges you face?
I am very glad to be representing India. I was chosen as team captain in 2016. The biggest challenge is to maintain a good rapport with players on and off the ground. The team has members from across India and with every player, I need to have a connect, know their strengths and weaknesses and as a captain, I have to ensure that on court, nobody loses confidence even though we are nowhere close to winning a match. There will be seniors and juniors in team, and I make sure that I always keep my ears open for suggestions from any team member. Motivating them to come together individually to play for country is one of the biggest challenges.
With back-to- back tourneys, you are always travelling. Is it stressful?
As a player, I always have one foot out of the door. It’s not at all stressful as I enjoy the game. But these days I am finding it difficult to stay away from home - thanks to my little daughter Vanshika! She keeps me busy all the time. But when I am out, my husband and family members take care of her so that I can play peacefully. I am always connected through phone, though.
What’s your fitness secret?
I don’t have any particular fitness mantra. I wake up at 4.30 and have my time. I walk, jog, go for a run, do yoga or meditate for a while. So there is no timetable or plan. It’s all about keeping oneself fit and healthy with good food and activity.
Players you look up to…
Khel Ratna awardees (in Throwball) Aquib Mohammad and Poornima. I also adore Virat Kohli for his consistency in the game.