Alumna Update: Jyoti Verma

Jyoti Verma is an ace para badminton athlete who recently qualified for and played the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. She is supported by GoSports Foundation and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, under its Athlete Scholarship Programmes. 

Read on for a brief glimpse into her inspiring story.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself - your background, your interest in badminton and entry into the sport. 

I come from a small village in Hisar, Haryana. My father is a driver with Indian Oil. I have always enjoyed sports and played badminton from childhood, and in school around the tenth grade I requested my parents to get me enrolled in the academy along with my classmates. It was here that I started playing the sport more seriously. I was introduced to a para badminton coach Rakesh Pandey in Karnal, Haryana, who, for the first time, offered me a glimpse into the world of para badminton – the training, the tournaments, and more. From there, my journey took off.

Excelling at this level requires exceptional talent, discipline and mental strength. Can you share what keeps you going? What is your source of motivation?

My family’s unwavering support is my biggest source of motivation. Having them stand by me through national and international tournaments has inspired me to keep giving my best and aim for big wins. The support I have received from the Academy and the financial backing of the GoSports Foundation have also had a big role to play in my growth. They have encouraged me to keep participating in tournaments and keep working on my game.   

What would you consider some important milestones on your journey?

 I think the first Nationals that I played was special where I won a Bronze in mixed doubles and Gold in the singles category. With my parents by my side, and it being my very first tournament gave me a lot of confidence. Qualifying for the World Championships was another big one; playing on that stage was a great feeling and motivated me tremendously.

How did you learn about GoSports Foundation and what has been their role in your journey?

My partner at the first Nationals I played, and for many tournaments after, was Tarun Dhillon, who was being supported by GoSports. He encouraged me to apply for the scholarship. Since then, I have played in many tournaments where they have offered not just financial but moral support as well. I have had an injury recently. And they have supported me a lot through this time, too, by providing me physiotherapy and nutrition, and thereby encouraging me to keep going.

Qualifying for the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou is a huge milestone. What did it mean to you and how was the experience?

We had been waiting and preparing for the Asian Games for over a year. I had an injury some time before entering the tournament so my performance was not as good as I wanted, but it was a good experience to participate. It was encouraging and I will continue to aim high and give my best shot for further tournaments on the world stage. 

What are your dreams and goals going forward?

I have qualified for the World Championships in two categories and want to win there. I want to win a medal for India at the Olympics, and will give my 100% to my game to achieve this dream.

What advice would you give to the next generation para- athletes?

Sport is a wonderful thing and I would encourage them to keep playing. I just want to say don’t focus on results but give your absolute best shot and keep trying to get better, and everything will fall into place. 

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