‪#‎MeetBITSiansInSports‬
Our Third Interviewee for “Meet the BITSians in Sports” series is Varsha Rajshekar (2007B1TS563P).

Varsha is involved in Basketball, Swimming, Biking, Running, Climbing and her dream is to race the Half Iron Man in Raleigh next summer.

Name: Varsha Rajshekar
BITS ID: 2007B1TS563P

Sports involved in?
Basketball, Swim, Bike, Run, Climbing

Q1). How did you get into playing these Sports?
I started playing Basketball in high school thanks to an inspiring coach. But I think I really started appreciating the beauty of the game only during my time as a member of Girls’ Basketball team at BITS-Pilani.
I started running because I didn’t instantly find a group of friends to play Basketball with after I moved to New York City.
I started cycling and swimming after I hurt my knee while running 🙂
I started climbing about a year ago after meeting some climbing enthusiasts at grad school.

Q2). What do you like the most about these sports?
Basketball and Climbing are great because of their social aspect. It’s a great way to meet people with shared interests and form lasting friendships. Playing competitive basketball helped me appreciate the importance of hard work, discipline and team work. Climbing is meditative and a great way to step away from grad-school stress. Run-Bike-Swim provide valuable ways to spend time with yourself while getting an effective workout in.

Q3). How does it help you stay healthy?
In so many ways! I guess the physical health aspect of working out is evident. But I value the mental health benefits the most. There’s nothing more exhilarating than a post-workout rush.

Q4). Do you take special care of your diet?
I don’t restrict myself from anything but I do make healthier food choices. I cook most of my meals just to know what goes into what I’m eating. I’ve limited my intake of processed food and sugar. I’ve upped my intake of protein ever since I started climbing (Yay protein-spiked smoothies!). Also, I’ve been trying to drink lots of water.

Q5). How can someone absolutely new to (your choice of sport), start playing it? (What could be a good start to get into these sports)
I think with activities like Basketball and climbing, a perfect start would be to find a group of people who share your interest. It makes the exercise a lot more interesting. Starting doesn’t require any skill. Just interest and commitment 🙂   

Q6). What’s your next goal for your game?
I don’t play much Basketball these days. So my next goal is to just find friends and play half-court games whenever possible 🙂 I do aim to become a stronger climber though. This would mean, I’d like to climb harder routes both in indoor gyms and cliffs outdoors.
Last year I participated in the New York City Triathlon which was a phenomenal experience! I’d like to train for more triathlons in the future. My current dream is to race the Half Iron Man in Raleigh next summer. Fingers crossed. 🙂

Q7). Any advice to the BITSian community on how to stay healthy and fit?
I think the biggest fitness challenge is commitment to consistent work-outs and healthy eating. It’s so easy to get lost in the “I’m-so-busy/stressed” rut. So through my experience, I would be strategic about being fit. Make a plan. Commit to it. Make it a priority. Find friends who share these fitness goals and be accountable to each other. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. 🙂

Attached are pictures from an outdoor climbing trip to the Yosemite Valley, a post victory picture at a Basketball tournament at MNIT-Jaipur and a picture after finishing the NYC Triathlon in 2014.

Interviewed by: Robin Garg (2007A3PS161P)