International Competition
my story
I had dreamed about representing my country in a yoga competition for a long time.
I spent a lot of time on the USAYoga website watching videos of yogis with ridiculously high flexibilities. I remember thinking to myself, ''Could I ever reach the international level? Would I be able to bend my body to such an extent? " I used to watch those videos and used to try to imitate the yogis and their postures. I observed exactly how they controlled their breath while performing an asana. I tried to do exactly what they did.
​
Through my constant practice, I won a silver medal at the national level, which meant that I had a chance to go an international competition, but due to some unfortunate reasons, I didn't participate. It hurt me so much back then. I couldn't believe I was foregoing the only opportunity I had received to represent India. I didn't know whether I would get any other chance ever again.
​
I still didn't give up and worked extremely hard for the next year's competition. I cleared the regional and the state competitions. Now came the nationals. This was my chance to prove myself and get the opportunity to go the internationals. I gave my best. But sadly, it wasn't enough. I came in 4th and only the first 3 ranks are sent for internationals. I thought I blew it.
Two days later I get a call from my coach saying that the girl who came in third couldn't come to the internationals, so I could participate! Oh man, I was ecstatic! A chance to go to Malaysia! I couldn't believe it.
The next four months I worked my ass of! I didn't aim to win a medal or anything, I just wanted to do justice to the opportunity I had been miraculously gifted with.
​
Then came the D-Day. It was my chance to go to the platform and perform. I took a deep breath, walked up to the platform and performed the five asanas I was asked to. I literally gave the best performance I could. And it worked! I got the silver medal! Oh it was surreal! I could feel the excitement and happiness rush through my body. This is truly one of the best experiences of my life!
​
