“I wanted my daughter Niveithicaa to take up Tennis, but within a year, she showed so much interest in the sport and started winning State tournaments. Never did I imagine that she would clinch the State title for four consecutive times at her age,” says Shunmuga Priya, mother of R B Niveithicaa Saraswathi, a 11-year-old tennis champion.
TENNIS WAS AN ACCIDENT
Recalling her daughter’s entry into tennis, Shunmuga Priya says, “When she was six-years-old, we took her to tennis court. And she showed much interest in playing and so we requested the coach to admit her. She surprised us with her skills. Her coach Johnson Jora praised her for her. Today she is the best U-11 player and has won many awards.”
She says, “In addition to U-11 category, she also plays for U-12, 14 and 16. Though she has not won trophies while playing for U-16, she loves to take up the challenge.”
Niveithicaa’s recent achievement is winning the title in the open tournament championship conducted by AITA. “Apart from this, every month a tournament is conducted and a trophy is be assured from Niveithicaa’s side,” laughs the proud mother.
PARENTING MATTERS
The young champ’s father, Bala says, “I and her mother are office-goers. Naturally, we do not have much time to spend with our children. But, during the evenings, we sit with Niveithicaa, ask her how was her day and share our day’s experience also. With loads of academic work and sports activities, there are huge chances that the child may undergo psychological tensions and challenges. So, we make sure she shares all her problems and we are her stress-busters.”
FAILURE HELPS
He adds, “As a general advice to young parents, I would say, give them chance to go through failures. Engaging them with sports activities works better for them. Schools are already loading them with academics. Make them participate in sports activities, whatever game they are interested in. With this, they learn good sportsmenship, courage and grit. Don’t force them to win, rather encourage them.”
Niveithicaa is a resident of Porur and can be reached at 97890 44667.
| CHAMP SPEAKS |
| Niveithicaa says, “Tennis court is my second home and I love the game. My parents and coach help me balance my studies and tennis. Whenever I lose in a match, I never get depressed. Rather, me and my parents will sit and discuss the tactics followed by my opponent. I would like to play more games and win more titles.” |