As a kid I grew up playing basketball and football because my mum is a basketball coach and my dad is a football coach. I was always inclined towards sports and it’s something I enjoy. I don’t see myself sitting at a desk, doing a regular 9-5 job. I didn’t have a backup to fall back on if this didn’t work.
Thankfully, I had very supportive parents. They never told me not to play because I have an exam or anything like that. I was always encouraged to play. So, when I decided this is what I wanted to do, I had 100% backing from everyone close to me. There was some of the usual "it’s India, there’s no hope for sports" and stuff from other people. But, as far as my parents were concerned, they always encouraged me.
I’ve played basketball and football at the club and national level and I’ve been asked to choose between the two several times. I can never choose between the two, and have always managed to play both.
