CHILDREN’S DAY – ‘ARMY KIDS ARMY WAY EXCEL IN SPORTS’

‘Children’s Day celebration 2024 brings forth the noteworthy, inspring and emulating stories of excellence in sports by two army kids from Jaipur Rajasthan.

Chinmayi Kasodekar daughter of Col Ajit Kasodekar started playing lawn tennis at young age of 8 years at Nagpur in 2015. She participated at district level tournaments in School Games Federation of India with mixed success. She moved to Jaipur in 2018 and continued her pursuit for excellence in the game with grit, determination, dedication and hard work under the guidance of her coach Nikhil Singh Sisodiya in Jaipur Military Station. Soon, she started getting success and won silver and bronze medal at district level in 2023 and 2024.

She also won silver in team event at state level in 2023 for the tournament conducted by School Games Federation of India and finally got selected for nationals representing Rajasthan in the same year.

Chinmayi also excelled in academics and secured 90% marks in 12th board examination in humanities stream. She also cleared NIFT entrance exam in open category and is currently pursuing Fashion Designing from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru.

Zara Swittens, a young equestrian athlete started her equestrian journey at an early age and has shown exceptional skill and determination, honing her abilities with the support of her father as well as her coach Lt Col D Swittens, who is 61 Cavalry Officer with many National and International accolades to his name.

Zara in her short span of competition, has garnered a total of 3 National Medals alongwith numerous Regional Medals in various events held across the country. In the last season she participated in the FEI World Children’s Classic Show Jumping and placed an overall second which gained her a world ranking as well.

Zara has recently qualified for Show Jumping and Dressage for the upcoming Junior Nationals to be held in Delhi in December 2024.

With a natural affinity for riding and a deep bond with her horses, Zara continually strives to reach new heights in both training and competition. Embracing each new challenge, Zara is focused on becoming a stronger athlete, representing herself in the sport with a keen passion and sense to excel.