Ahmedabad’s ninth-grade student, Dhimahi Trivedi, is diligently preparing for the 19th edition of the National Inter District Junior Athletics Meet (NIDJAM), which kicks off at Gujarat University Campus this Friday. In her preparation, Dhimahi strictly abstains from junk food and mobile phone usage, focusing on maintaining a healthy diet and a dedicated training regimen. Her mother, Kalpana, ensures she receives nourishing meals, including a daily banana shake, to fuel her athletic pursuits.
While Dhimahi trains on the playground, her mother, Kalpana, closely monitors her activities, dropping her off and remaining nearby throughout her two-hour sessions. Dhimahi practices alongside a group of schoolmates at CN Athletics Academy in Ahmedabad, where she excels in her skills under the guidance of coaches.
As the NIDJAM approaches, Dhimahi feels a mix of excitement and nerves, eager to showcase her abilities on home turf and aiming to surpass her previous achievements.
Having won a bronze medal in the U14 triathlon event at the previous edition in Patna, Bihar, Dhimahi is determined to elevate her performance and potentially upgrade her medal color.
For Kalpana, witnessing her daughter’s dedication to athletics has been a rewarding experience, recognizing the discipline and character-building aspects of sports during her formative school years.
Dhimahi’s involvement in physical activity began in the third grade but intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic, with her commitment to training increasing significantly since mid-2021.
Despite facing challenges in 2022, Dhimahi’s persistence paid off in 2023, culminating in her bronze medal win at the NIDJAM. Now competing in the U16 age group and focusing on pentathlon, she remains confident in her abilities and aims to make a strong impression at the upcoming competition.