Shravani Gaude celebrated as Goa’s premier netball player, stands out as the sole Goan athlete to have represented her state in three distinct sports at the national level. As Goa embarked on its women’s netball campaign at the 37th National Games, Shravani brought her exceptional talent and experience to the forefront, having already showcased her prowess in Kabaddi and Lagori at the national stage. Intrigued by her remarkable journey and unwavering passion for sports, I had the privilege of meeting her to delve into her experiences, her inspiring journey, and her aspirations for the future. Here are the highlights of our conversation.
Shravani Gaude, daughter of the esteemed Art & Culture Minister Shri Govind Gaude, who also oversees the sports ministry in the state cabinet, attributes her impressive achievements to relentless dedication and hard work. Her journey into the realm of sports began in the 5th grade, spurred on by her PE teacher who recognized her potential and encouraged her to participate in various sports activities. Shravani swiftly excelled, representing her school in Kho Kho and Kabaddi. By the 6th grade, she seized the opportunity to compete at the national level in Lagori, a traditional Indian game known as Seven Stones, historically referenced in ancient texts and cherished across generations.
Lagori, deeply rooted in Indian culture, embodies more than just a game—it symbolises camaraderie and strategic thinking, fostering physical activity and teamwork, particularly during festivals and community gatherings.
The contemporary version of Lagori played at national and international levels has evolved from its traditional roots as a children’s game. “Nowadays, we use a set of 9 pieces of Lagori for competitive play,” explains Shravani, detailing the modifications. In this version, one stone is designated as the queen, and teams of six players each compete on a court. Despite these updates, the core rules of breaking the Lagori structure and using a ball remain unchanged.
Shravani reflects on her early experiences with Lagori, recalling her first national competition during the 7th grade in Punjab. “It was quite an experience for me,” she shares. Although she did not participate in the initial nationals, her breakthrough came in Jaipur during the second nationals, where she competed in every game and secured a silver medal. Her journey underscores the evolution and growing recognition of Lagori as a competitive sport on the national stage.
After her successful stint at the national competition in Jaipur, Shravani made a pivotal decision to transition to another sport, Netball. Reflecting on her shift, she noted, “I couldn’t participate in the 37th National Games held in Goa for Lagori as I had already switched to the Netball team, but Goa secured the bronze medal this time.” Comparing Netball to basketball, Shravani highlighted key differences, stating, “In basketball, players can dribble and move freely, whereas in Netball, dribbling is not allowed. Moreover, a player cannot hold onto the ball for more than 3 seconds after receiving it. Additionally, the net in Netball is positioned higher than in basketball, emphasising the importance of precision due to the smaller diameter of the basket.”
Shravani’s journey showcases her adaptability and determination as she embraces new challenges in the world of sports, contributing significantly to Goa’s athletic achievements.
Discussing her transition from Lagori to Netball, Shravani recounted a pivotal moment during her 11th grade at GVM Higher Secondary School when a friend informed her about the state championship in Netball. “At that time, I was in Mumbai, attending the Women’s FIFA World Cup finals for under seventeen,” she recalled. “I wasn’t familiar with Netball, so I researched it online, which immediately captured my interest, prompting me to commit to the sport.”
Upon returning home, Shravani wasted no time and began training rigorously. “My coach, Sandeep Naik, guided me through the fundamentals of Netball, and our entire team was new to the game,” she explained. With just twenty days of preparation, the team geared up for the state championship held in Margao. Despite their novice status, Shravani’s team advanced to the finals against Almeida High School, where they encountered intense competition. “During the finals, we faced challenges, including an injury to one of our players, which pushed all of us out of the game momentarily,” she recounted. “With the responsibility falling on me to score, I managed to hit the bulls-eye, earning the title of the tournament’s best shooter. We clinched our first state championship, achieving this feat with only twenty days of practice.”
Shravani’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination, highlighting her swift adaptation and exceptional performance in Netball, ultimately contributing to her team’s remarkable success in the state championship.
Following her victory in the state championship, Shravani set her sights on the national stage in Netball. “I filled out the form for the national championship and began intensive practice,” she explained. With only three months to prepare before the nationals, the team committed themselves to rigorous training.
However, their journey faced a setback just before the nationals. “We had another state championship for selection, where we secured the silver medal,” Shravani recounted. “Unfortunately, despite our efforts, we couldn’t replicate our success at the national level and returned empty-handed this time.”
Despite the disappointment, Shravani’s determination and commitment to excel in Netball continue to drive her forward, reflecting her resilience in the face of challenges.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Shravani Gaude harbours a deep interest in the medical field and is currently preparing for the NEET examinations with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Reflecting on her academic journey, Shravani humbly admitted, “I don’t consider myself the most studious person, but I believe in my ability to overcome challenges.” Balancing her studies alongside sports has been a rewarding experience for her thus far.
Looking ahead to her future in medicine, Shravani acknowledged the potential shift in priorities. “If I am selected for medical school, I understand I may not have as much time for sports,” she acknowledged. “However, maintaining fitness is crucial to me, even more so than sports itself. I am committed to finding a balance and ensuring that physical well-being remains a top priority.”
In conclusion, Shravani emphasised the importance of pursuing one’s passion wholeheartedly. “If you have the passion and capability, there’s nothing you cannot achieve,” she asserted. Encouraging others to strive for excellence, she urged, “Give your best shot, aim for championships, national and international levels, and forge a career from it.” Reflecting on her own journey, Shravani expressed gratitude for the transformative role sports played in her life. “Having sports in your life is an honour,” she declared, noting the accolades and recognition it brought her. “Previously known as the daughter of a Cabinet Minister, now I proudly stand with my own identity,” she concluded, cherishing her title as the state champion Netball player. Her words resonate as a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the profound impact of pursuing one’s passions.
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