Hailing from Mysore, and studying at St Joseph's School, Risha Roopesh Kumar is a dedicated basketball player. She represented Karnataka in the 49th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship and won multiple titles, including MVP and the ‘Best Shooter’ title in three-on-three matches. She excels both in academics as a class topper and in sports, guided by her supportive parents and coaches.

The Initiation

Risha Roopesh Kumar has been a passionate Basketball Player since fifth grade, with numerous achievements in the sport. Initially, she was interested in Tennis and Badminton but never had the opportunity to pursue them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her daily routine became disrupted, prompting her mother, who was into running, to encourage her to join athletics. However, Risha wasn’t particularly interested in athletics. One day, her mother took her to the Oval Grounds, a track field in Mysore, where the coach suggested she join athletics. Risha still wasn’t inclined towards athletics and noticed a basketball court nearby. Instantly, she told her mother that basketball was what she truly wanted to pursue. That moment marked the beginning of her basketball journey, which has brought her immense joy and success.

Gurus & Role Models

Risha has been training at the National Sports Club in Mysore under the guidance of her dedicated coaches, Prasad and Pawan, who have significantly contributed to her progress over the past three years. On school days, her practice sessions run from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., while on holidays, she trains intensively from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. During competitions, her schedule becomes even more rigorous, with practice sessions held both in the morning and evening. She considers her parents her role models, drawing inspiration from their hard work, resilience, and unwavering support. Despite their demanding schedules, they always find time for her. Her mother, who works in an IT company, juggles household responsibilities, ultra-marathon training, and family commitments. Even with such a busy routine, her mother ensures she accompanies Risha to practice sessions and helps her focus on building her strength and fitness. Risha aspires to emulate her parents’ dedication and balance as she grows older.

The Talent

Risha Roopesh Kumar shares that Basketball is a team sport that heavily relies on coordination and teamwork among players. In a match, two teams compete, each with five players on the court. A standard game lasts around 40 minutes, excluding time-outs and half-time breaks. Typically, a team comprises 12 players, with five active on the court and the rest available as substitutes. She explains that the rules for state-level and national-level basketball differ, and there are various age-based categories, including U-13, U-16, U-18, and the recently introduced U-23. Until 2024, Risha competed in the U-13 category, but she has now advanced to the U-16 category.

Achievements

Risha attended the Under-13 basketball camp for three consecutive years, showcasing her dedication to the sport. In 2024, she proudly represented Karnataka in the 49th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship held in Hyderabad. Beyond her achievements at the national level, she is also a key member of her club’s three-player team, which includes two senior players. Competing in three-on-three matches in Bangalore, Risha not only participated but also won most of these games. She earned the titles of MVP in two matches and Best Shooter in one, further highlighting her exceptional skills. Apart from her achievements in basketball, Risha excels academically as the topper of her class, earning appreciation from her teachers. She actively participates in extracurricular activities and frequently emerges victorious. Additionally, she has contributed significantly to her school basketball team, leading them to win numerous matches. Risha’s accomplishments in both academics and sports exemplify her well-rounded talent and determination.

A Bit More

Risha’s daily routine reflects her commitment to basketball and academics. On school days, her practice sessions run from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., while on holidays, they extend from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. During competition periods, her schedule intensifies, with sessions held both in the morning and evening. She emphasizes the importance of regular practice and hard work to qualify for competitions and perform well. Regarding the Under-13 category, Risha explains that matches are divided into four quarters of 10 minutes each. Each team operates on both offensive and defensive courts, and the halftime period lasts 20 minutes, after which courts are switched. In the Under-13 category, a rule mandates that no five players can play the entire match, requiring a minimum of 10 players on the team. In contrast, players in the Under-16 and Under-18 categories play the entire 40-minute match without substitutions. The Under-13 category also has restricted time-out rules. Risha elaborates on the various positions in basketball. As a Power Forward, she is typically the second tallest player on the team, with the tallest playing the center position. The Small Forward is shorter but more agile, while the Shooting Guard is the best shooter on the team. The Point Guard leads and coordinates plays, with all players depending on the point and shooting guards. Basketball involves mastering a range of skills. Offensive skills include passing, dribbling, shooting, and rebounding, while defensive skills focus on actions like stealing, intercepting, blocking, and applying pressure. Defensive strategies include man-to-man defense, full-court pressing, half-court pressing, and various zone defenses, such as one-to-two and three-zone setups. Offensive strategies also include specific plays designed to maximize scoring opportunities. Risha maintains a disciplined schedule to balance academics and sports. She practices in the morning, attends school, and dedicates her evenings to studying, reserving an hour for workouts. During competitions, she prioritizes practice but ensures her studies are completed, often with help from her supportive parents. They assist her in catching up on missed lessons and understanding complex topics, enabling her to excel academically. One quote that resonates deeply with Risha is, “Something is better than nothing,” a phrase often shared by her coach Pawan. It motivates her during challenging times, reminding her that effort and participation are more valuable than not trying at all. She advises everyone to stay persistent and resilient, even when things don’t go as planned. She believes that life has a purpose for everyone, and achieving goals requires hard work, dedication, and consistency. She encourages others to set clear goals, maintain a positive mindset, and strive to become better versions of themselves. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and moving forward with determination.