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SHANYA DHINDSA: ATHLETE IN THE MAKING
By Sherry Duggal
 Shanya, born in White Rock, BC, is breaking all barriers in the field of sports. Currently enrolled in Green Timbers Elementary School, this eleven year old girl is a prime example of how diversity in one area can lead to numerous successes. “I want to be a professional athlete...I want to excel in that. If you're good at one sport, it's easier to transition into other sports and to make a make a living, a career out of it”.
It all started with soccer. Shanya is one of the selected few who is part of the Vancouver White Caps, and has been active in this sport for about five years. “I was enrolled into soccer at a young age, which inspired me to get into other sports.” Along with soccer, Shanya has been active in gymnastics for over three years. “I was told that this sport would lead to less injury, and increase my flexibility.” Shanya's talent was appreciated and she was encouraged to go competitive. Recently, she won the BC Championships in gymnastics – an unexpected surprise for the youngster. “It was hard. I felt like crying because I thought I didn't do that well. But I did it.” Shanya is very passionate about gymnastics: “It helps me focus. Because if you don't focus, you can get hurt.”
Shanya, however, is keeping her options open. She realizes that despite all the training in this sport, there are not too many career options. Once you receive the Olympic Medal in gymnastics, there is not much scope. So in the near future Shanya will experiment with golf and tennis and see where that leads her. She will let herself be guided and will make her final decision this year. “I am sure I will choose the right thing to do.” This is what Shanya's mom Pavan had to say: “I want to open up doors and give her all the options so that she can choose. In the Indian community, sports are not considered education. I will not force her to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer, but will let her decide which path she wants to pursue. Shanya was recently about to complete her last level for swimming, but decided to stop. She gravitated towards other sports and was lucky to find what she was passionate about”.
Shanya also enjoys dancing. She performed at DesiFest with Shy's “Creative Arts” a couple of years ago and would love to combine gymnastics with dance. Shanya's mother says, “Shanya is my doll. I wouldn't mind if she even pursued modeling or acting. It is my dream to take her to Boogie Woogie. Her dad is the opposite. He was a professional wrestler and is totally encouraging of her athletic abilities.”
So Shanya is still going through a decision making process. She will wait till the end of this year and choose the path that she will take. She knows that there are many options, but will focus. When asked who inspires her, Shanya did not hesitate to say “my parents”– “Mom and dad put me into sports and have always encouraged me to go for it until it's done with. They pay for all my training and take me up to all the practices. I am grateful.” Shanya also wants to give credit to her brother and her other family members, who have also always been there for her.
During the interview Shanya told me how impactful Sri Ravi Shankar's “The Art Of Living” program was. Shanya's whole family took part in this. “I learned practical things like breathing and meditation techniques. We are always moving, so this program taught me how to still the mind.” Shanya took a deep breath before showing her gymnastics moves. “I always breathe before I do anything. It helps me relax and focuses my mind. Art of Living was awesome that way. And everyone around me was so positive. I was told to respect my parents and was encouraged to create healthy relationships by making a friend everyday. Imagine...by the end of the year you'd have so many friends! One of the key things I learned from the program is to laugh and let go.”
Her mother also had a few words to say about this, “My goal in life is to meditate with my kids every morning, even if it's just for ten minutes. I believe in self education, motivational seminars and self growth and awareness. I am always trying to improve myself so that I can help my family along the way.” “My mom tells me to me to meditate for 11 minutes everyday” Shanya intervened, “because I am eleven years old. These family oriented values and spiritual practices are clearly reflected in Pavan's children.
And this is what Shanya wants to say to other youth her age: “Go for what you want most and follow your passion. If someone is stopping you, it doesn't matter. If you want it, you will get it.” She left me with W. Clement Stone's words, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” Shanya truly is an inspiration to the Indian community here and abroad and is a source of pride for everyone around her.
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