India's Basketball Loving Queen in Bhavnagar, Gujarat
India's Basketball Loving Queen in Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Her Highness Maharani Samyukta Kumari Gohil shared her personal journey with basketball, the Bhavnagar Basketball League, and the Royal Family's enduring commitment to sports development.
The Queen of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, has emerged as a passionate advocate for basketball, not only celebrating her love for the sport but also playing a pivotal role in fostering its growth in the region.
In a recent interview with Gopalakrishnan R, Her Highness Maharani Samyukta Kumari Gohil shared her personal journey with basketball, the Bhavnagar Basketball League, and the Royal Family's enduring commitment to sports development.
Watch:
Captain of School Team
Her enthusiasm for basketball has deep roots. As a former captain of her school basketball team, the Queen's love for the game began in her childhood.
"I was the captain of my basketball team in school, and it is my favorite sport," she revealed. This personal connection has driven her to support the Bhavnagar Basketball League, buying a franchise in the League called Nilambag, which she passionately describes as "my baby." While the Royal Family has always been a supporter of various sports and cultural activities, this particular endeavor is close to her heart.
On Bhavnagar Basketball League’s Gender Equality
The Bhavnagar Basketball League, spearheaded by the Youngsters Basketball Club, has become a beacon of sports enthusiasm in the region, providing a platform for both boys and girls to excel.
The Queen has been actively involved in promoting gender equality in sports, ensuring that girls have equal representation across all age categories.
"It's extremely important," she emphasized, referring to the inclusion of both boys' and girls' teams in the league, from under-14 to senior levels. This commitment reflects the Royal Family's broader historical stance on gender equality, tracing back to her great-grandmother-in-law, who championed education for girls and abolished restrictive practices long before it was common.
Importance of physical activity
Beyond basketball, the Queen and the Royal Family have been instrumental in promoting overall sports culture and outdoor activities in Bhavnagar.
The Queen believes strongly in the benefits of physical activity for mental health, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a surge in mental health issues.
"A healthy body is a healthy mind," she asserted, emphasizing the role of sports in character-building and personal development.
Incorporating Sports in Education
The Queen's commitment extends to the education sector as well, where she advocates for integrating sports into the curriculum.
Drawing inspiration from her education at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, where participation in various sports was mandatory, she has implemented a similar approach in schools under the Royal Family's purview in Bhavnagar. This model ensures that children not only receive a quality education but also develop resilience and a strong work ethic through sports.
Olympic Aspirations
Looking at the broader landscape, the Queen acknowledged the shift in responsibility for sports promotion from royal families to the government, but she remains hopeful for India's future in sports, particularly at international events like the Olympics.
She called for greater government support and involvement in nurturing talent and improving the nation's medal tally, stating, "In a country of over a billion, I hope that we can have a large contingent with a very large medal tally."
The Queen's efforts in promoting sports, particularly basketball, have undoubtedly contributed to a vibrant sports culture in Bhavnagar. Her vision and dedication continue to inspire young athletes and foster a community that values both tradition and progress.
***
If you've come this far...
Appeal to readers - ₹₹ Support Ekalavyas: Ekalavyas is India's first and only basketball media company. We are not foreign-funded, nor investor backed. Your support and encouragement have got us this far. We now need your financial assistance to ensure we can keep providing you timely, accurate and important information. Please contribute via https://razorpay.me/@ekalavyas 🙏🏾. We are accepting contributions as low as Rs. 1/- (including a small processing fee charged by the payment gateway provider). Thank you for playing a part in keeping media independent and objective!
 |
|