We asked Sanchita about her journey and here is what she has to say:
What inspired you to pursue your passion for Sports?
The field of sports and athletics is greatly liberating. It is cathartic and rejuvenating to be out in the open, training pushing myself physically. Discovering my talent in sports was instrumental to rounding out my personal growth and development. Growing up watching brave, fierce women compete in the field of sports, inspired me to take my place alongside them.
Tell us more about your journey and experience, as well as key achievements and learnings.
Having represented my state (Jharkhand) at the national handball tournaments each year during 2007-2011 is an achievement close to my heart. It was a very fulfilling and empowering experience, which I consider to have shaped my personality and psyche.
On the academic front, I was awarded two gold medals by my University for outstanding academic achievement during my undergraduate study at National Law University Odisha, including one for being the female student with the highest marks in my batch.
Have you faced any barriers being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them, and key takeaways?
Being a woman in a historically male-dominated field like sports and law has always meant working harder and putting in more hours to make myself known and recognized at par with male peers. My key takeaway over the years has been to embrace my flaws and strengths and focus only on improving myself, without heed to external factors.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women who wish to diversify/pursue similar interests?
My message to young women would be to claim your space, make yourself known, and never be apologetic for being the best at what you do. With a little confidence and lots of work, we can do anything that we set our mind to.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
I would pick Hillary Clinton, for showing the world how to be a fierce and driven individual in the political arena and also behind the scenes. I would also like to dine with PT Usha, to discuss women in athletics and Padmashree Manjamma Jogathi, a brave transwoman dancer to discuss what it means to identify as feminine in today’s world.
#SHErocks #BreakTheBias #jsastories
