Smashing Barriers, Acing Triumphs on the Court

March 20, 2024 | Play and Sports

Wheelchair tennis player holding a racquet on the court.

What does it take to become a champion? For Shilpa, a 31-year-old wheelchair tennis player and one of our sponsored para athletes, the answer lies in determination and prowess.

Recently, our Communications team caught up with her at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru where she trains to chat about her journey, her goals, and how our sponsorship helped her in her sporting career.

Shilpa’s passion for the game was evident not just in her skillful play, but also in her insightful conversation. Her presence on the court was captivating. She displayed incredible athleticism and tenacity, leaving us awestruck by her swift movements and smooth maneuvers. It was fascinating to learn that her story with wheelchair tennis began by chance.

Shilpa’s infectious enthusiasm filled the room as she shared, “Can you believe it? As I child, I often dreamt about flying on a plane! Now, for tournaments, I travel so much it can be overwhelming at times.” Hailing from Mandya, Karnataka, Shilpa embodies remarkable humility despite representing India in several international competitions.

Shilpa recalled with us the turning point in 2016, during a casual tournament at Bengaluru. There, Mr. Sunil Jain, a former managing committee member of the Indian Wheelchair Tennis Tour, spotted Shilpa’s talent and encouraged her to pursue tennis professionally. This marked the beginning of her dedicated training, first at the Topspin Tennis Academy and later at the prestigious Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence.

Shilpa’s dedication to the sport was evident when she told us, “Wheelchair tennis is a sport that constantly challenges you. Every day brings new lessons, from mastering wheelchair movement to perfecting techniques like the forehand short and service.” Her life revolves around sports, and her dreams for the future are clear. Thanks to our sponsorship—covering her travel expenses, accommodation, training and fitness costs, and proper nutrition—Shilpa can pursue her professional wheelchair tennis career with full focus.

The support from CBM India isn’t just fueling my dreams, it’s fueling my belief that I can achieve positive results at every tournament. After experiencing losses in crucial moments, I doubted myself. But now, I have come to realize the potential I have.

By far, Shilpa has participated in at least 40 tournaments and her dedication and confidence inspire those around her. Her coach Ritu told us, “She’s been a great example and a great source of motivation. She fights the challenges and brings forth her best.” One of her co-players at the Academy added, “The energy she brings to the court is tremendous. Just watching her play gives us immense motivation for the day.”

Shilpa is a rising star in the world of wheelchair tennis, and her journey is only just beginning. This year, she has her sights set on a new goal: break into the Wheelchair Tennis World Rankings top 100.

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