Ekta Tiwari: Sports have been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my discipline, independence, and understanding of teamwork. As a Shitō-ryū karate brown belt holder and a school baseball player, I learned the importance of effort without expectation. I admire athletes like Sunil Chhetri, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, each teaching unique lessons. Bollywood films like “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” resonate deeply with me. The focus and discipline from sports mirror my career, where real success comes from true learning. Health is real wealth, and everyone should prioritize physical activity.
Saanand Verma: Cricket was my first love, and watching football during the FIFA World Cup was an entertaining experience. Eventually, I developed a keen interest in watching tennis and played a lot of badminton, but due to time constraints, I’m now unable to play badminton. Sports have always been crucial for my fitness, and I believe staying fit is essential. My favorite sportsperson is Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who inspires me with his calm demeanor, discipline, and leadership. Chak De! India is my favorite sports-themed film. I believe everyone, regardless of age, should engage in sports for the positive energy and focus it brings.
Vaibhav Sharma: Everything I am today is because of cricket. It taught me patience, perseverance, endurance, discipline, and self-belief. I’m grateful for its influence on my life. My idols are cricketer Virat Kohli and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, while Kobe Bryant’s thoughts also inspire me. Achieving milestones requires a mindset that motivates me. Age doesn’t matter in maintaining physical and mental balance—whether through gym workouts or sports. I embrace both, and I love the journey they offer.
Viraj Babbar: Sports taught me how important it is to stay fit and in shape. Not only do your clothes fit better, but your body and mind work with efficiency. I have learned discipline and that we have to do the same thing again and again to attain perfection; there is no other mantra. Consistency over anything. My favorite sportspeople are Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni. My father and I used to watch cricket together. Dada taught me that you’re not supposed to take unnecessary attitude from people. Mahi, on the other hand, taught me that you need to stay calm to make the best decisions of your life.
Rohit Choudhary: Sports have profoundly shaped my life, especially since I was always average academically but thrived during sports periods in school. I eagerly participated in kabaddi and volleyball, which significantly influenced my character. While I respect many athletes, Virat Kohli and Neeraj Chopra stand out as my favorites for their exceptional discipline and passion. Films like “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” and “Mary Kom” truly capture the spirit of sports. Discipline in sports mirrors that in careers, as success requires consistent effort. I believe sports should be a regular part of life for overall well-being, fostering both mental and physical health.
Gulfam Khan Hussain: I love watching football. It’s my favorite sport as a spectator. In the past couple of years, though, I’ve somehow gotten involved in sports. I play a bit of badminton and am learning swimming. Maybe I’ll give shooting a shot, too. I recently discovered that I’m pretty decent at it. Maradona, Messi, and Beckham are my favorite footballers. Sports are a more entertaining way of staying fit. I enjoy playing badminton, even though I’m still learning the nuances, and I enjoy swimming too. For those who aren’t into sports, I would say that it’s never too late! Join something, play a bit, go to the playground, and give it your best shot!
Nivedita Basu: Sports have always been a central part of my life, given that both of my parents were sports persons and I was the captain of my school’s sports teams. I believe in a 50/50 balance between academics and sports. Engaging in sports is essential; a gym simply cannot replace the benefits of playing a sport. For those with concentration or attention issues, taking up a sport is highly recommended. Whether it’s a team sport or an individual one, both offer unique benefits. Personally, I’ve never been a gym person. Despite its convenience and structured environment, I prefer the dynamic nature of sports. As a child, I played table tennis and badminton, and later, while working at Balaji, I took up squash. I’m a huge fan of the movie Dangal and its soundtrack. Being from the media industry myself, I appreciate how sports can be portrayed entertainingly in film. Movies like Iqbal, Chak De! India, and Lagaan have shown how sports can be compelling and inspiring. Recently, at the age of 45, I competed in my first national squash championship and reached the quarter-finals. This experience has only fueled my desire to improve, engage with more people, and deepen my understanding of the sport. My goal for the next five years is to become the best I can be.
