Pankaj Kumar Roat, who has just passed twelfth from St. Matthews School is a state level basketball player. He got the inspiration to play basketball from his elder brother and father. He has participated at state level tournaments several times and also achieved first position in the Rajasthan Government organized Urban Olympic Games held at the Gandhi Ground.

The Initiation

Pankaj's elder brother, a national basketball star, served as encouragement for him to take up the sport. His father, a state football and kabaddi player, is another source of inspiration for him. His passion for basketball gradually increased, and in the seventh grade he began to play the sport. In the eighth, eleventh, and twelfth grades, he participated in the state level meets. He took part in the Govt. organized Urban Olympic Games as well.

Gurus & Role Models

Pankaj states that his elder brother Ramesh Roat was his first basketball coach and the person who taught him the game. Later, Kuldeep, a national player, was his coach at St. Matthew's School, where he instilled in him the values of hard work and discipline. He respects his coach and abides by his regulations at all times. Because his elder brother always inspires and pushes him to play sports, Pankaj views his elder brother as a role model. He constantly looks up to his brother, wanting to do more and accomplish more.

The Talent

Pankaj explains that basketball requires both quickness and stamina to play. He claims that just abilities are required to play the game; height is irrelevant. To play basketball, we must abide by the regulations. It entails dribbling and passes, and positioning oneself before shooting the ball is crucial. Being confident in oneself is crucial when playing basketball, as it's a team sport that needs flawless individuals to succeed.

Achievements

In the eighth grade, Pankaj competed at the state level and was placed third. In addition, he also won two or three district sketching competitions. He competed in a state-level basketball competition once again in the eleventh grade, placing sixth. He also took home the top spot in the Gandhi Ground Olympics. He took part in the twelfth grade state competition and came in fourth. He had previously played kabaddi and cricket. Because of the game's ability to improve his focus, he also maintains the highest academic position.

A Bit More

According to Pankaj, playing any game requires discipline, and understanding your game and its rules is crucial. The coach should always be respected. He claims that playing basketball altered his life since, before, he was a very slothful person. However, after taking up the sport, he began to wake up early and maintained his fitness. He developed discipline and also sharpened his focus in his academics. Pankaj says that his instructor has always instilled in him the belief that there is no such thing as a losing game—you either win or you keep improving—and that these ideas have always inspired and motivated him. He also remembers that you cannot lose unless you own up to your own defeat. The song "Chak de India" makes him upbeat. He counsels other youngsters to take up any sport and to keep discipline in their academics. Engaging in sports improves focus, which has positive effects on academic performance.