Our 10th Interviewee for “Meet the BITSians in Sports” series is Varun Soni (2010A2PS484H).
Varun bagged Golds and broke records in BOSM(BITS-Pilani Sports Fest) for three consecutive years, showing exceptional performance in Powerlifting. He also won Golds during Arena(BITS-Hyd Sports Fest), Spardha (IIT BHU Sports Fest) and also got the “Best Athlete” award at Spardha.
Having achieved an AIR of 356 in Civil Services Exam 2015, Varun is currently an Assistant Commissioner(officer trainee) at CBEC, Ministry of Finance, Government of India
In an exhaustive interview, Varun shares his fitness mantras, food habits, experiences, and memories from BITS.
Name: Varun Soni
BITS ID: 2010A2PS484H
What motivated you to so rigorously pursue fitness in college? Were you a fitness freak before that as well?
I was a sportsman from 4th standard.Earlier I used to train in Jiu-Jitsu which is a form of martial arts. After getting neck injury, I had to shift to weight training which I continued till 12th standard. After failing in 12th first semester and getting motivation by senior players to cope up with studies and the feeble future in sports, I started studying with an aim to get into a good educational institution so that I can continue lifting at my natural pace. So, it was always in my blood but college life at BITS made me manage it well too. Also, the incentives and support from college administration aided me much. I had an ACB in the first year as I only gave emphasis to sports after being months away from it.
Did you ever aim to compete at weightlifting championships? What motivated you to go ahead?
I was doubtful about getting an adequate opportunity at the college level but with time I created opportunities for myself. I went far off places like Varanasi, Jaipur Warangar, Pilani, etc., just to take myself to full potential. The incentives and laurels of winning kept me moving forward so did my passion towards it.
How did it feel to have won a Gold in weight-lifting at BITS-Pilani sports festival BOSM, while representing BITS-Hyd?
It gives you a lot of pride and fame having earned something which our college was not doing from previous years. It also taught me to think of first as a team and then individually. But one also needs to learn how to lead a team to victory. I was sad at any other person not getting medals.This also motivated me to train juniors in my sport.
Did you face any hurdles while training or during the competition? How did you overcome them?
Injuries are common in weight training. At times I even hurt myself just days before competitions. Even now I have major tears in various ligaments. After winning, people start expecting certain standard performance from you for which you have to toil to maintain. This at times motivates as well as makes you conscious. College administration, faculty members, even the people working at mess and CP were helpful to me. Initially, it was difficult to manage sports and studies, but with time and help, I learned how to manage both. So, with help and motivation, I was able to overcome these hurdles.
Your achievements motivated many other students to hit the gym and follow your footsteps. Have you personally trained juniors? How does that feel?
I had the dream of making our college clean sweep the medal tally after being given so much motivation and support from the college. Moreover, it’s better to be social in sports. So I started training people with me. It feels good and also adds value to the sport. People have a habit to compete against each other to rise further and I created a competitive environment for juniors to take advantage of while training.
Any particular memory from BITS or the competitions that you will forever remember?
The period of rise and fall. During the beginning of my final year, placements are the things that matter and you become irrelevant in front of careers. But I knew one ought to be doing what one loves, otherwise, there won’t be long-term happiness in life.This was the moment which changed my course and led me to where I am. And I will always cherish this period in life.
You are known to have followed a very strict diet that helped you along with your long practices. Could you share the diet plan you followed?
Morning 8 AM I would start with 6 eggs + cornflakes + 1/2litre milk + sprouts + brown bread and butter. Then would very infrequently attend classes, if I did I kept a water bottle with me. I had 8-10 liters of water daily. I carried boiled potatoes to classrooms which I would enjoy in breaks.
Around 1.30 PM I had lunch. I was given chicken or cheese every day for lunch. I could also tell mess people to cook something special for me if I wanted. This was the courtesy of college administration. Before workouts, I ate bananas, milk and protein shake and repeated the same after workouts. At night I would always eat non-veg, which I was served daily. I would hit 2 body parts in a day and eat according to the workout I was doing
You cleared the UPSC Civil Services exam after a year-long hard work. Congratulations!! How did you keep yourself fit and active during the long hours of study?
Actually the lifestyle of fitness forced me to come to my native place for preparation. I did not prefer to joining any coaching as there would have been great difficulty in maintaining this lifestyle. No one could study 24 hours a day, so in between during breaks, I would try to hit my muscles as hard as possible. Also, it is scientifically proven that workout increases cognitive abilities and concentration.Though I could not follow sports so vigorously, it was just a maintenance phase. The vigorous phase will start during my training.
How do you or how do you plan to maintain yourself fit considering the long working hours?
In IRS, life is not much hectic and there is a perfect work-life balance. Moreover, the government is giving opportunities to civil servants to excel in all fields.10 AM – 5 PM are the usual timings and my passion for sports will motivate me to complete work schedule as soon as possible. Also while working on deputation to agencies like CBI, RAW, DRI, CBN, etc., being fit will actually matter.
Finally, what would be your advice to the BITSian community to stay fit and healthy?
Just giving 30-45 minutes of a workout to the body is actually very stress relieving and increases concentration-cognition. We can include basic running jogging, playing, badminton, swimming into our work schedule. These days gymnasiums are also offering us 24/7 service.
Interviewed by: Suchita Pati (2011A3PS269H)
