MUMBAI: Atrangii senior VP Nivedita Basu is busy and has her own work pressures and responsibilities. However, despite her busy schedule, the talented lady takes time out for her passion of playing squash. Recently she also participated in the 80th National Squash Championship in Mumbai. "I didn’t make it through the semifinals, but I lost to somebody who is better; someone who has been playing since her childhood. I have always felt we haven’t ever paid much attention to sports. I feel every company or school should have a compulsory requirement to participate in sports. Because work is not something that will always bring you joy, but mental peace will definitely help you and sports gives you that. Participating in a national championship was a great experience as this was the first time I went for a professional and national tournament. I feel we remain so busy in our lives that we never pay attention to these things. But now that sports has come so much into the limelight in the past 4-5 years and with the Olympics being a big event this year, I don’t think I want to even think twice before participating in such events in future."
Nivedita’s father was in the army and since her childhood she was quite keen in sports. She says, ”I used to play table tennis and badminton as a child. My parents played sports, too. But I started playing squash when I was at Balaji. Ekta (Kapoor) and I used to play squash together at Country Club. But after having my second baby when I joined work, I got a little serious and now I don’t want to miss even a single day." Nivedita shares why she opted for squash and that has a direct link to her father.
"I opted for squash because my father played it. He was a Colonel in the army and used to command a regiment. There was a squash court inside our house. Now I regret not having learned it earlier."
But how does she manage to get time to practice and play the game? ”It is very tough when you have 16-hour work days. Even on holidays I am working on scripts and readings. But I am someone who is great at multitasking, and I don’t want to leave this sport. I love playing it and am inspired. It is important to make time for these things for yourself. Sports has always been an integral part of my life and I was a sports captain in school . I don’t know why I didn’t pursue it. Now when I see where sports has reached, I definitely regret not taking it up seriously earlier. Squash, believe you me, also helps you throw and let go of your anger and frustration by smashing the ball (smiles)."
In the midst of deadlines, creative meetings, travelling and being a mother of two kids Nivedita is devoted to squash and her patience and willpower will only make her a better player.
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