Vanshika’s Journey in Sports: From Skating to Badminton Captain

Can you share a bit about yourself and your journey in sports?

I am currently in my third year, majoring in Economics and Finance. My journey in sports began in Grade 2 when I took up skating, which eventually led me to inline roller hockey. I had the honor of representing my district at Haryana state level twice. Alongside skating, I casually started playing badminton after school to stay active, but it wasn’t until university that I truly began pursuing it seriously. In Spring 2023, I became part of the women’s badminton team at Ashoka, and since then, I’ve created some amazing memories on the court. I’m now proud to lead the team as captain.

How has being involved in sports influenced your personal growth?

I’m confident that playing sports has taught me life values I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. I’ve become much more disciplined, dedicated, and patient. Both skating and badminton have shaped the person I am today, and I’ve applied these strengths both on and off the field.

What does being a captain mean to you, and how do you approach leading your team?

Being a captain comes with a lot of responsibilities that you might not otherwise have to manage. Fortunately, having prior experience in leadership roles made the transition from squad member to captain smoother for me. I’m honored to lead such an incredible team. My approach isn’t something entirely new—it’s inspired by the captains who came before me, and I feel they’ve already set a high standard. My goal is to reach that bar together with the team. For me, passion for the sport and building a strong bond with everyone on the court are key.

How do you balance academics with your responsibilities as a captain and athlete?

As long as you understand your commitment and can prioritize your responsibilities, managing everything isn’t too difficult. Of course, there are days when it feels overwhelming, but most of the time, your dedication to both academics and the sport keeps you motivated. Plus, knowing you can rely on your team when you can’t make it to the court builds a sense of trust that really helps.

What are your future aspirations for yourself and the team?

My future aspirations for the team are to keep pushing us to become the best versions of ourselves. We all work incredibly hard on the court, and I hope that effort pays off in tournaments. But above all, I’m committed to ensuring that we always give our best to the sport and represent the university with pride. Personally, I hope to achieve our team’s goals and be not just a strong leader, but also a friend to everyone. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together and how we continue to grow as a team.