Aradhya Nayak, an eighth-grade student from Udaipur, shines both on the basketball court and the cultural stage. From winning medals in sports to excelling in singing, debates, and academics, she balances it all with grace and discipline. Guided by her coach, parents, and teachers, Aradhya is a true all-rounder with unstoppable energy and spirit.
The Initiation
Aradhya Nayak began her basketball journey in 2022, although her love for sports was evident as early as the age of eight. She found joy in the game from the very beginning and quickly embraced it as a core part of her life.
Gurus & Role Models
Aradhya trains at Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon under the guidance of her mentor and coach, Usha Acharaj. She deeply admires her coach’s dedication and teaching style. According to Aradhya, Coach Usha not only teaches the technical aspects like layups and gameplay but also places a strong emphasis on discipline and effort, ensuring each player grows holistically. Every session ends with a match to put skills into practice, making learning fun and effective. Alongside her coach, Aradhya draws inspiration from her parents, who always encourage her to do the right thing, and from her school teachers, who guide her in academics, behavior, and values.
The Talent
For Aradhya, basketball has been more than just a sport—it has played a crucial role in her physical growth, improved her mental fitness, and taught her the true essence of teamwork. She believes the game provides both physical and mental benefits, while also being exciting and full of learning. Through her training, she has picked up key basketball skills such as dribbling, layups, shot counting, and more. The game has not only helped her become stronger and more disciplined but also ignited a deep sense of commitment and joy in her.
Achievements
Aradhya Nayak has proudly represented her school at the state level, where she secured fourth position. Representing Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon, she played at the district level and won a silver medal in her very first match. She also showed her athleticism in relay racing, winning a bronze medal with her team. Additionally, she has taken part in her school’s badminton competitions, showcasing her versatility as a sportsperson.
A Bit More
Beyond the court, Aradhya has many talents. She enjoys badminton, racing, and has a deep passion for singing. At school programs, she’s a regular performer and has taken part in numerous singing competitions, delivering memorable performances. She also plays the harmonium and has represented her school in various debate competitions, which include Sanskrit Shlokas and Q&A rounds. She actively participates in English and Hindi language competitions, often securing first position. A shloka from the Bhagavad Gita deeply inspires her: “हे कृष्ण करुणा सिंधु दीनबंधु जगत्पते, गोपेश गोपीकांत राधाकांत नमोऽस्तुते।” (“O Krishna, ocean of mercy, friend of the distressed, Lord of the universe, Lord of the Gopis, beloved of Radha, I offer my obeisances to you.”) This verse keeps her grounded, spiritual, and motivated in both life and learning. Aradhya encourages young aspirants to keep trying, no matter the obstacles. She believes that consistent effort is the only path to success. "Never step back from trying," she says, "because success comes to those who keep striving with full dedication." With her passion for sports, love for music, and drive to excel, Aradhya Nayak is a shining example of a young all-rounder who believes in giving her best—on every stage and in every field.
