Parents are also aware of this need and creatively engage their wards. In line with this trend, the couple M Rajagopal and Uma Maheshwari have brought up their children giving them exposure to various extra curricular activities and encourage them to pursue these with zeal. R. Adhithi, their plucky 7 year old daughter studying in P.S. Senior Secondary School, Chennai is a multifaceted child showing interest in different fields.
A champion in gymnastics and a National level winner in Karate (she is completing her greenbelt), Adhithi has won many laurels and trophies. She has had her training in gymnastics for the past 4 years at YMCA, Nandanam under her coach, Mr. Mohammed Ali. Adhithi has made her coach and her family proud, by earning the State No:1 rank at the gymnastics tournament held on August 5th and 6th, 2006 at Anna Stadium, Salem. Her medals and trophies stand testimony to all the hard work and practice that she puts into this sporting activity. Last year, when she was only 6 years, she attended her first gymnastics tournament and came third in the state. “This year, she clinched the gold medal", beams her mother.
"I usually practise gymnastics 4 hours a day and spend even more time just before a tournament", a smiling Adhithi says. Till now, Adhithi has won 5 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals in karate and gymnastics events. Adhithi’s brother Amrith is also into practising karate and both of them were the only 2 National level karate champions from Chennai last year.
I was curious to know how she got into gymnastics and karate. Her mother went on to explain that she used to learn gymnastics earlier and felt that she should introduce her daughter to the sport as karate and gymnastics are rare adventure sports. The little girl plunged into it with a lot of interest and enthusiasm, took it up like fish taking to water !!!
Adhithi performed in her school's Sports Day this year and stole the hearts of the audience with a brilliant performance. The little girl is not only excelling in this art of body balance but is able to balance the various activities like karate and gymnastics along with her academics. Her talents don’t end here. To add to her busy schedule, Adhithi has also started attending keyboard classes! She is showing interest in acting and has performed some small roles in serials as well. Her parents are confident that with all her hard work and sincerity, she will win and succeed.
She may be just 7 years of age but R.Adhithi has achieved a lot of glory and success. Behind all these achievements is hard work, sincerity, practice and encouragement from her family, of course!!
As for her future plans, "I want Adhithi to pursue gymnastics as a profession and represent India in the Olympic games", declares her mother. Chennai Chimes wishes this young aspirant to achieve this goal and bring fame to our country and the city of Chennai.