Siddhi Misal: A star in the making

Fencing is a relatively unexplored sport in India, though it was one of the first sports to be played at the Olympics. It is based on the traditional skills of swordsmanship.

Siddhi Misal, a student of Fr Agnel Multipurpose School, Ambernath, started training in fencing when she was in Std 7. The sport attracted her when it was introduced in the school. With the help of her coach, Rajesh Shinde, she regularly participated in tournaments organized by the Maharashtra Fencing Association.

She won the first position at the District Level in the Under-14 category. Motivated by her success, she went on to participate in the State Level tournament, where she bagged the silver medal.

Siddhi, now a student of Std 9, has been an avid sportsperson since she began her schooling. She enthusiastically participates in athletic events and even plays volleyball. She brought home the State Bronze medal in the Surya Namaskar Competition, making her school proud.

Siddhi lends her voice to the school choir, participates in elocution contests and general knowledge quizzes, and all the while maintaining her position as a meritorious student in academics, too!

Achievers like Siddhi Misal are an inspiration to young girls growing up in small towns across the nation where sporting is often of secondary importance, and reserved as a boys’ domain. It is heart-warming to see her parents support her in sports, and especially in one like fencing which is traditionally a man’s game.

Siddhi continues to foray with a never-say-die attitude. We wish Siddhi all the very best in all her endeavours.