Team Herald
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PANJIM: Goa’s badminton star Tanisha Crasto has set her target to be World No 1 and is ready to give whatever it takes to reach the same.
“My target is the same right from the beginning. I want to be World No 1 and bring the Olympic medal for my country, my parents and my friends. I have set my target and I will give what all it takes to reach the same,” said Tanisha while addressing the media at Peddem Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Tanisha, who recently got associated with Parama Heartbeat Sports as their brand ambassador, was speaking at the official launch of Adidas Badminton in Goa.
“I am excited to be associated with the brand. This is a huge step forward in my path to becoming an international level shuttler. I hope I can keep making India proud,” said Tanisha.
16-year-old Tanisha, who made history at the Junior Nationals last December becoming the first shuttler from Goa to take top honours in girls doubles, feels that one should not give up after a loss but look out for more opportunities.
“I have a good backup system from my parents, coaches and friends. If I lose a game, all that I do is sit for while and think what I can do better in the next game. One should not give up after one game as it is not the end of life. There will be many more tournaments, opportunities where one can do better”, Tanisha said.
“I talk with my parents, coaches and see what went wrong and where I can improve. What I can do better in the next game from which I will be able to achieve my goal. You need to have faith and never ever give up”, she added.
The youngster, who represented India at the World Junior Championships in 2018, is all set to compete in the All India Junior Ranking at Chennai and Kerala, which is a selection tournament for Asian Junior Championship.
Tanisha, who has joined the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, feels that is not so easy to stay away from the family especially at the age of 16 but is also excited about learning new things and meeting new friends and coaches.
Asked about fitness, Tanisha said “Fitness is a very important part in badminton. I do give a lot of importance for fitness by doing gym, skipping etc”.
Explaining the difference between singles and doubles, Tanisha said, “It depends upon your game style. Not everyone can play singles as it is a complete different game from doubles. But now, doubles and mixed doubles is also something where players can achieve. There are a lot of players in India who are making their name in doubles. We are developing a lot of champions in doubles and mixed doubles who we will see in the next 5 years”.
Tanisha follows Srikanth Kidambi and Saina Nehwal, who she says are her idols.
“I like their nature on court or off court and watching them play has helped me learn a lot with new ideas. I keep watching their videos on how they maintain their mental stability and pressure on court”.
“I personally know all the senior Indian players Srikanth, Saina, Sindhu. They are very helpful. They give me various ideas on how I can improve my game or where I am going wrong or how I can get some things right from which I can improvise myself and achieve my goal”, she concluded.
