A passionate Basketball and Netball player, Aashika is a 16-year-old student from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, who turned her hobby into passion, representing Rajasthan in national basketball and netball championships. Trained under coach Usha Acharaj in Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon, she balances sports, studies, and self-growth with dedication.

The Initiation

Aashika Yadav is a determined and passionate basketball player whose journey into sports began in the bustling city of Bangalore. Two years ago, while living there, she first picked up basketball out of pure curiosity. What started as a casual hobby soon turned into a deep interest as she watched her school seniors play with energy and skill. Inspired by their passion, she began playing more regularly, unknowingly stepping onto the path that would shape her identity as an athlete. After moving to Rajasthan, Aashika took a significant leap by joining the Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon Academy in Udaipur — a well-regarded institution for budding athletes. It was here that she began to take basketball seriously, receiving structured coaching and understanding the true essence of the game.

Gurus & Role Models

Behind every successful athlete stands a strong mentor. For Aashika, it is Coach Usha Acharaj in Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon who plays that role. She credits her coach for teaching her new techniques, pushing her to improve, and constantly inspiring her to give her best. Her biggest inspiration, however, remains her father, a former sportsperson himself. His constant encouragement and belief in her dreams continue to be a pillar of support. She proudly says that her father is not just her role model but her biggest cheerleader.

The Talent

Aashika explains that basketball is not just about throwing a ball into a hoop — it’s a game of strategy, teamwork, and precision. Each team has 12 players, but only 5 are allowed on the court at a time, and every player has a unique role. She emphasizes how the game helps improve physical fitness, coordination, balance, and team dynamics, making it one of the most well-rounded sports. She also points out that playing basketball is known to aid height growth, especially among younger players. In addition to basketball, Aashika was introduced to netball, a sport similar in appearance but different in its gameplay. In netball, there is no dribbling, and the baskets do not have backboards. She describes it as a fusion of basketball and handball — and found it both challenging and exciting to learn.

Achievements

Aashika’s dedication bore fruit when she got the opportunity to represent Udaipur in the regional basketball tournament last year. Her exceptional performance there earned her a spot in the national team, allowing her to represent Rajasthan at the Under-17 Girls Nationals in Dehradun, where her team proudly secured the runner-up position. Building on her coach’s suggestion, she also took up netball and attended the national trials in Bharatpur, where she was again selected to represent Rajasthan — proving her versatility and skill across similar sports. Currently, she is preparing for the upcoming National Sports Meet in Kanpur, where she will once again represent her state on a national platform.

A Bit More

Despite a demanding training schedule, Aashika manages her studies with equal focus. She follows the academy’s fixed routine for practice and takes special care of her diet and recovery, ensuring that neither her academics nor her athletic performance is compromised. This balance speaks volumes about her discipline and determination. The quote that keeps her moving forward, even during difficult days, is: “It seems impossible until it’s done.” It reminds her to push past doubt and keep striving until success is achieved. To all young and aspiring sportspersons, Aashika offers heartfelt advice: “Respect your coach and parents, always listen to their guidance — because their experience can shape your success.” Off the basketball court, Aashika expresses her creative side through poetry and sketching. Whether it’s the rhythm of words or the lines of a drawing, she finds joy in expressing herself beyond sports — making her a well-rounded young achiever who brings passion to everything she does.