September 7, 2016: Harmanpreet Kaur is the new face of the Indian women's cricket team. The 27-year-old all-rounder has put in some stellar performances and very recently was roped in for the Big Bash League Down Under.
How Rio wins affected her
However, she is thankful to the likes of PV Sindhu and Sakshi Malik as she believes by winning medals in Rio they have given girls the confidence to venture out in different sports, something that will help the country.
"I am thankful to Rio medallists for providing confidence to girls in every sport," she said in an exclusive interview to Indiatimes.
Harmanpreet also looked back at how difficult it was in the early days when she first took up the game. She hopes to do well in the future both individually and for her team.
"I took up the game very early and worked hard to be where I am. I want to play a lot for country and achieve a lot individually and for the team," she said.
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| Reuters |
How does she keep fit?
So obviously an athlete like her needs to keep fit right? Yes, definitely. She admits to maintaining a strict fitness regime to keep in shape.
"I am a fitness freak, I exercise everyday. There are things that need to be kept in control and I do my best to ensure that my body is ready to play a match. It helps to keep calm and cool at the same time."
However, Harmanpreet does not rule out the struggle she has had to face in a sport traditionally played by men.
"Struggle happens no matter what you do. I look to perform for the team and am glad with the chance to do so."
Certainly putting the team before oneself!
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| AP |
Her inspiration
So what was it that made her take up the game? Her idols were MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli whom she admired from a very early age. She hopes to be as mentally strong as they are.
In Kohli's case, Harmanpreet learnt to control her anger and use it in her performance, which has paid dividends.
"I learnt that anger is best used for one's game and not on people," she emphasised.
So does the weight of expectation bring any added pressure. Her reply is that pressure is there but she looks to get out of that zone very quickly.
Well here's to her future success and may she continue to India proud in the years to come!