“I was always a sports enthusiast. As a child, I spent more time playing than studying – a practice not very well received by my father. I still remember all the summer vacations that I spent playing outside from 8 am to well after dusk. My mother was constantly worried about my whereabouts. More often than not, my day ended with my parents disciplining me for not staying home.
Cricket was my favorite sport. I used to watch and analyze every match that was ever played (even from times before I was born). After persistent pestering, my parents enrolled me for cricket coaching at the age of 8. I used to travel 20 km every morning at 5 a.m. for my coaching and my mother would accompany me – she was my support system. She enjoyed watching me play, and more so because I’m pretty sure the joy I felt while playing was visible on my face. Over time, I discontinued cricket but sports continued to be my passion.
My father is passionate about Badminton and was a player himself. He persuaded me to join a summer camp in Badminton at Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in 2010. At the end of the camp period, a tournament was organized for all participants to compete. I won the tournament and was awarded a gold medal by the then debut actor Mr. Rana Daggubati. I was also offered an opportunity for a full time coaching at the Academy! There were no bounds to my mother’s happiness on my first accomplishment. But unfortunately, she suffered from an acute ailment, and six months later, we lost her to it. This was extremely crushing to our entire family; we all knew her to be the most loving and supportive person. It took me several months to recover from the pain that it caused, but I know that she would be proud of where I am today.
After the loss of my mother, my father gracefully stepped in to take her place. He mentored me, guided me and helped me get back on my feet when I was down. I soon started winning tournaments and climbing the ladder of ranks in India. I made my place among the top 10 badminton players in India in the under-15 category.
In 2015, I had to make the tough choice between badminton and academics. To be honest, it wasn’t a very difficult decision for me. My father and the academy both had my back every step of the way, and I went on to become the No. 1 in India by 2016 with 4 subsequent national titles in the under-17 age group. I still remember the moment I was given my first jersey with PODILES (INDIA) and the Indian flag printed on it. Tears trailed down my face, but I had the widest grin ever!
I put all my focus into bettering my shortcomings from then on, and went on to win several other titles. It was a moment of pride when I realized the government of India would be funding me at only 17. I feel blessed to be trained under my guru, Mr. Gopichand Pullela, and honoured to have a man such as my father guiding me. I would not have been where I am today without their constant guidance and support. I’m definitely still a work in progress, but I look forward to the constant growth that I know is a part of my journey!”
- Sri Krishna Podile, Athlete