Interview - Mehaa - The Skater Girl... Doing India Proud!
Mehaa Arunsakthi, a 9 year old from Coimbatore has given us Indians a moment to be proud of. She has bagged the Silver medal in the International Skating Championship Flanders Grand Prix held at Belgium. She’s coaching under the former International contender Rahul Pandian. In this interview let us talk to Mehaa and get some exciting insights about her passion for skating, hobbies, her favourites etc.
Hi Mehaa, Congrats on winning the Silver medal. There are many other sports, how did you get interested in skating?
Hi! Thank you so much for your wishes and for this interview. I got interested in skating because it looked so exciting and really fast. When I first saw skaters racing with such speed, I felt like they were flying on wheels and I wanted to experience that thrill and speed for myself. Also, the challenge of mastering the techniques and competing was something that really pulled me into this sport.
Do you practice everyday and for how long?
I practice almost everyday and my coach makes sure that my practice sessions last for nearly 6 hours each day.
How did your parents, your coach and school teachers support you?
My first and foremost supporters are my parents. They support me throughout the preparations, practice sessions and the competitions. Next comes my coach. He plays a major role in my success as he has helped me mould myself from scratch and made me a champion and now an international medalist. My teachers and the school management have always supported me a lot by giving me necessary permissions to have time for practice sessions and leave in order to appear for the competitions.
Who is your role model and why?
My coach Rahul sir in Skating and Cristiano Ronaldo in Football. I want to become like them. And then of course my father. He is a bike lover and a rider too. That may be the reason for me to have got interested in racing related sports.
How did you feel when you got the medal on behalf of India?
It is definitely a proud moment having represented Indai and holding a medal in my hand. This is something I never dreamt would happen. This moment I will always cherish till my lifetime.
What is your next aim?
I have to train and be consistent at least for the next 6 years so that I will be eligible to get my selection trials for Team India for World games, Asian games and many other international championships. By achieving this I can bring glory to my country.
Can you tell us your favourites ... food, cartoons, sports other than skating, subjects and hobbies?
Dosa and Sambar, Paw Patrol, Football, Maths. But Skating is above everything for me.
How do you balance between studies, skating practice and family time?
It's not just about balancing both, being good at both is what matters and I am doing great with the support of my parents, teachers and my coach. We just need someone to guide us throughout the process to make it happen.
If given an option, will you choose any other sports?
No way, I cannot even imagine myself doing any other sport.
What is your daily routine when you don’t have school?
Eat, Sleep, Skate and Eat, Sleep, Skate.....
Best wishes Mehaa ... for a glorious future!
