Army kids of Jaipur shine in Sports

This Children’s Day, the spotlight shines on two talented army kids from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who have displayed extraordinary achievements in the world of sports. Chinmayi Kasodekar and Zara Swittens, daughters of army officers, have overcome challenges and dedicated themselves to their respective sports, emerging as role models for young athletes across India. Their stories reflect the influence of supportive parents, hard work, and passion for excellence.

Chinmayi Kasodekar, daughter of Colonel Ajit Kasodekar, has made waves in lawn tennis since she began playing at the age of eight. With a keen sense of discipline and persistence, Chinmayi has competed in district-level tournaments, securing silver and bronze medals in both 2023 and 2024. Her accomplishments extend beyond sports, as she scored an impressive 90% in her 12th-grade board exams and successfully passed the NIFT entrance exam in the open category, demonstrating her well-rounded abilities. Among her many achievements, the silver medal in a state-level team event and her selection to represent Rajasthan in national tournaments stand out as testaments to her skill and dedication. Colonel Kasodekar is proud of her journey, emphasizing that her commitment inspires army kids nationwide.

Meanwhile, Zara Swittens, guided by her father, Lieutenant Colonel D Swittens of the 61 Cavalry, has shown a natural affinity for equestrian sports, developing a strong bond with horses that has driven her remarkable success. Zara’s journey in show jumping and dressage has been nothing short of impressive; she has earned three national medals and numerous regional awards, including an outstanding second place in the FEI World Children’s Classic Show Jumping. Her hard work has even earned her a spot in the world rankings, and she is set to compete in the Junior Nationals in December 2024. Lt. Col. Swittens, her dedicated coach and father, attributes Zara’s achievements to her determination and natural connection with horses, which fuels her accomplishments in a sport that requires skill, patience, and trust.

The achievements of these young athletes underscore the powerful role of parental guidance and support in fostering talent and resilience in children. Both Colonel Kasodekar and Lt. Col. Swittens believe that their daughters’ successes are grounded in dedication and passion, showing that army kids can excel in both academics and sports with the right encouragement. On this Children’s Day, the inspirational stories of Chinmayi and Zara highlight the potential within every young mind, demonstrating how hard work and perseverance can create bright futures for India’s youth.