PANAJI
Goa’s young shuttler Tanisha Crasto is now officially India number one ranked player in Under 17 Girls doubles in the latest rankings list released by Badminton Association of India. The 15-year-old girl, born to Goan parents Clifford and Tulip from Chinchinim, practises at the Prime Star Academy in Dubai where she currently lives while she plays for Goa. “She is an extremely modest and unassuming girl who plays in our local ranking tournaments just like anybody else. She used to win a lot of tournaments in UAE where her parents are based and it was from last year she started playing in Goa. Her rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. She has done Goa proud by winning many medals for our State and she is all set to be a part of the Indian Asian Games Junior squad which heads to Jakarta later this year”, the GBA Secretary Sandeep Heble observed.
Tanisha has won three Gold medals this season, all of them coming in the Selection tournaments for the Asian Games which is a huge achievement. “I was born in Goa and our roots are in Goa. We feel proud to be known as Goans and have registered Tanisha to play in Goa”, says her father Clifford, a fun going person who mentors and accompanies Tanisha during many of the tournaments. “Tanisha loves pizzas. She is in the tenth now and carries her books with her. Some of the shots I have taught her”, adds Clifford with a smile, throwing some more light on the prodigy.
“I am totally delighted to hear this news and I am working hard to achieve my goals. I want to be the women number one shuttler and win an Olympic Gold for India. I practice 7 hours a day and study in between during my free time. Proud to be a Goan”, said Tanisha whose combination of hard work and talent has seen her quickly climbing the ladder of success.
“Tanisha is a champion player who needs to be groomed to achieve success at International levels. To reach the highest levels, one has to practice in state-of-the-art academies where substantial finance is required. A player spends around 30 to 35 thousand every month in training in such academies, leaving aside travel. The Government must financially support such players who bring laurels for the State. Identify such players and fund them through direct transfer into their accounts”, added the GBA Secretary in conclusion.
