GIIS 9 GEMS podcasts are all about highlighting inspiring stories of our students excelling in academics, sports, innovation, entrepreneurship and others. The media team at GIIS recently had the opportunity to interview a young aspiring sportsperson who strived hard to create her name in the field of cricket - Savi Surendra. Savi started playing cricket in grade 6 and represented the school in many tournaments, national and international. This emerging talent has never let her gender decide her boundaries.

GIIS alumna who has excelled as a cricketer on so many occasions, that she was perhaps a rare player to be given the chance to play shoulder to shoulder with boys in the final 11. She took up cricket which is generally a man’s game and at such a young age stridden to break all boundaries. 

Savi started playing cricket when no girl played in school. She was questioned on multiple occasions as to how she will be able to excel at a man’s sport. Nonetheless, she started training with the boy's team and she was the only girl. The coach and the team were very supportive of her which made it easier for her to settle in and be a part of the team.

Her backbone has been her family who has supported her throughout her playing journey and encouraged her to perform better. She has participated in a number of tournaments in Singapore and she also played state level in India. She aspires to play nationals in the U-19 women’s cricket team and is preparing for the same. 

Being the only girl in a boy’s team surely wasn't easy. But she gradually paved her way into the team and made friends and they started understanding each other. Savi also shared with us her rigorous training routine and the diet she had to follow to be in shape. She showed great dedication and perseverance towards the sport which made her reach the point where she is today. She also shared with us memories from the first match she played. 

Savi has struggled a lot to create a name for herself in the field of cricket. But she was surrounded by people who motivated and encourages her to continue even when on certain occasions she felt she was failing, to get up and start again. Her parents, coach and teammates all encouraged her to become an inspiration for all the girls out there who wish to pursue sports but are unable to due to various reasons. She is truly an example of immense courage and determination to follow her passion.

Watch Part 1 of her podcast here.