A student of SAGE International School, Ayodhya Nagar, Bhopal, Utkarshi Gupta began playing badminton a year ago, inspired by her seniors and teachers. She also actively participates in sports like football and basketball. Utkarshi emphasizes the importance of discipline, focus, and patience in excelling at badminton. She has earned numerous medals in badminton, as well as in drawing and art competitions. She firmly believes that success in life stems from hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to one’s dreams.
The Initiation
Utkarshi, an eleventh-grade Humanities student at SAGE International School, Ayodhya Nagar, Bhopal, has developed a passion for Badminton, a sport she plays at a professional level. Though she has dabbled in other sports like Football and Basketball, her true interest lies in Badminton, a sport she took up just a year ago. Initially joining tournaments as a support player for her seniors, Utkarshi’s interest in badminton grew steadily with their encouragement. Her teachers also motivated her to pursue the sport, and after winning a medal in the SGFI West Zone Tournament, she began formal training. Beside sports, she also enjoys Drawing and Arts and Crafts, which remain her cherished hobbies. In addition to her passion for sports, Utkarshi has a deep interest in art and crafts. Her journey in this creative field began in sixth grade when she participated in an inter-school competition, where she secured first place. This early achievement sparked her enthusiasm for drawing and crafting, and she has continued to nurture this talent alongside her athletic pursuits.
Gurus & Role Models
Utkarshi began her badminton journey under the guidance of her coach and mentor, Amit Yadav, from whom she has learned discipline and dedication. Her coach, along with her teachers and parents, has been a constant source of encouragement, supporting her aspirations in sports and beyond. They have instilled in her a sense of responsibility for her actions, which she deeply values. Utkarshi regards her parents and coach as her role models, drawing inspiration from their unwavering support and guidance, especially in important decisions. She also feels immense gratitude for the support of her school and teachers, whom she credits for being a vital part of her journey.
The Talent
Utkarshi believes that discipline and focus are essential in badminton. She emphasizes that fear holds players back, so they must put it aside and give their full effort on the court. For her, patience, hard work, and dedicated practice time are key ingredients for achieving the desired results in the game.
Achievements
Utkarshi Gupta has achieved remarkable success in badminton, securing the SGFI State Gold Medal and earning runner-up titles in multiple district tournaments as well as the West Zonal CBSE tournament, which gained her media recognition. Her athletic accomplishments extend to football, where she won a District Gold Medal in a school tournament. Beyond sports, Utkarshi has garnered several accolades in art and crafts, including first-place positions in inter-school and district drawing competitions. Her talent in art has also been recognized in district-level competitions in Bhopal, where she earned numerous awards.
A Bit More
Utkarshi reflects on her achievements in badminton over the past year, acknowledging the intense hard work, dedication, and practice the sport demands. She notes that badminton is a complex game, requiring both mastery of technique and mental resilience. Achieving precision in every stroke and cultivating the right temperament on the court takes time and persistent effort. A quote that resonates deeply with her is, “Believe in yourself, everything is possible; nothing is impossible, as it itself says, ‘I’m possible.’” This mantra continually reminds her of the power of self-belief. She advises others to pursue success through a combination of hard work and smart strategies, emphasizing that true dedication to one’s dreams is the path to achievement.
