Dishaka’s excellence in a male dominated sport makes her stand apart from other girls of her age
Although carrom is a game mostly associated with men,Dishaka Kankonkar is an exception to the rule. This young champion fromKarmali, studying in class eight of Jesus and Mary Sarvajanik High School, isalready a popular name in her village, thanks to her flair for this indoorgame. While carrom is yet to gain popularity as a sport in Goa, the situationdoes seem better compared to a few years ago, as the coaching camps organisedby the Goa Carrom Association are helping raise awareness about the sport inthe state.
Dishaka’s interest in the sport grew when a close relative,Nandita Borkar introduced her to carrom. Apart from providing her with an oldcarrom board, Nandita took up the responsibility of coaching Dishaka in thegame. Apart from helping Dishaka improve on her technique and precision, thecoach goes an extra mile by commuting from Porvorim to Karmali to play with heryoung trainee.
2011 ended on a high note as Dishaka won the StateChampionship in December after participating in various taluka level and localtournaments. This victory came after a mere span of three years from taking upthe sport. 2012 was a busy year for Dishaka, as she travelled placesparticipating in various carrom tournaments held across the country. Afterplaying at the nationals in Delhi, she used the exposure and experience gainedat her following trip to Kolkata. She adds, “Although I could not make it tothe finals, it was good learning experience. It was a mixture of nervousnessand excitement as I was representing my state for the first time”.
The carrom champ is lucky to have doting parents who put inevery effort to encourage her in this sport, wholeheartedly. Her father, amotorcycle pilot by profession and her mother, a domestic help and a housewife,make sure that Dishaka isn’t deprived of any assistance – be it financial ormoral.
Dishaka has already got her future plans chalked out andwishes to coach budding players, but not before excelling at the game andwinning the Nationals. But currently, however, her preparations are on for theupcoming National Games in March this year in Uttar Pradesh. With equal amountof inputs on technique and practice, this young girl from Karmali is aiming itperfectly indeed!
