Aiming the Shuttlecock Higher

Badminton, a sport which requires immense amount of dedication, perseverance and determination. At the age of 13, Sachin Menon reveres his shuttle bat over anything. He walked into the room in his sport gear, ready for his next practice session. His eyes shine with excitement. He says, "Today is match day. I will be playing against my teammates. It is most exciting, the thrill of playing a match. If you do win, it is bonus happiness." Sachin has already secured many trophies and titles at this tender age. He made his family, teachers and friends proud when his team won the silver medal at the National Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Sports meet held at Allahabad. This achievement is only one of the few to his credit. 
Studying in Class VIII at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Calicut, Sachin balances his studies and sports quite comfortably. "I have my parents to thank for it, who have supported me relentlessly. More than them, I am grateful to my uncle whom I lost recently. He is an avid sport enthusiast who was a State-level football player himself. It was his dream to open a badminton coaching academy, which is of world-class quality in our place. He initiated me into the game. He was like a father to me...he loved, cared, scolded, taught, played...He will always remain an inspiration to me", said Sachin, his eyes welling up. 
Like any teenager, his interests include playing football and cricket with his friends, video games and watching WWE. John Cena is his favourite wrestler, he lets on with a sheepish grin. He adds that while he enjoys going to school and having a good time with friends, he wants to take up Badminton as his career. "My dream is be known as a good player and of course, to win an Olympic medal like any other sportsperson. I know it will be very difficult, but I will work hard and make my family and country proud", he says proudly. As APJ rightly said, "You have to dream before your dreams can come true." Up and coming sportsmen like Sachin who invest their sweat and soul into the game becomes the dream of a whole nation.