Among the students who come to the Protouch Golf academy for regular lessons and practice, Anika Shah is one of the most hard-working junior golfers. Anika is a student of the seventh standard from Modern High International School. She has been playing golf for three and a half years now, and is very passionate towards the game she plays.

Anika is seen at least twice in the weekdays and in the weekends. She coaches hard with her coach, Ashish Samanta and practices after her training session is over.

How much time do you devote for golf?

Anika: I take a course practice and play 18 holes once a week. I come to the Driving Range once a week for training, and according to my study schedule, I come here for a solo practice once or twice a week.

Doesn’t it disrupt the balance between golf and academics?

Anika: No. I usually plan golf according to my study schedule. I like to finish my studies before coming for golf lessons, as after playing I usually get very tired, and cannot study. So, for me it works as a hack. Finish your studies, and do away with so that you are ready for the exams and with next day’s homework, and then go for golf.

Apart from golf, which sport is you second favourite?
Anika: I love playing football, and it is one of my hobbies.

Who is our favourite footballer, and what’s your favourite football club?

Anika: My favourite footballer is Neymar Jr. and my favourite club is Real Madrid.

Movies, or books?

Anika: I read books, a lot. I like watching movies too, but I don’t watch a lot. I like to read more than watching something.

Who is your favourite author and what is your favourite book?

Anika: My favourite author is Holly Jackson, and I like reading the book “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”. Actually, I am reading the book for the second time now.

What is your favourite sports movie?

Anika: I liked the new movie “Maidan” that has recently come out, and also “83”, the one in which Ranveer Singh plays the lead, and came out few years ago, I think in 2020 or 2021 they both are inspiring and push me to go forward in my sports career.

How does being a sportsperson affect your performance during your exam?

Anika: Sports doesn’t really affect my academic career. Being a sportsperson helps me manage my time and be more punctual. Sports has taught me to balance school, and I have to accommodate both sports and studies in my routine on a regular basis. It also increases my mental resilience and gives me more strength of minds and stay focused, and during exams, I stay less stressed.

Who is your biggest support?

Anika: My dad, and my coach, Ashish Samanta sir. Ashish sir teaches me very kindly and very patiently. I am very grateful to him for that.

What is your goal for the future?

Anika: My goal in the future is to win big tournaments and play for India. I also have to learn to get better in my studies and manage my time in a better way.

Anika’s coach, Ashish Samanta says, “Anika is a very good girl. She is obedient and dedicated. Only if she works harder and practices more, she will be able to perform much better in the days to come”.