Name:
Nirav Amin
Age: 14
Mandal: South East London, UK
Introduction
to fencing:
Modern fencing is derived from the noble art, science and defence
method of sword fighting. Because it is such an enjoyable activity,
both mentally and physically, it evolved to make participation
completely safe and become the modern sport of today.
As in fencing the emphasis
is on skill, rather than speed, it is a sport that can be taken
up at any age and continued until any age. Also, the nature of
movements involved makes it largely free of the niggling injuries
found in other sports. There are 3 different weapons in fencing
– foil, epee and sabre. Each requires different techniques
and so appeals to different people.
Nirav’s
Fencing Experience:
Nirav began to fence
when he was 11 years old. He attended Bickley Park School where
his coach taught him the skills of foil. Nirav achieved the first
two grades of fencing at a young age.
He then joined
Whit gift School, where he continued to progress in his talent
and learnt to use a new weapon – the epee. Every Monday
after school, he would attend training sessions for an hour. This
gradually increased to two hours and now he trains for six and
a half hours per week. This training helped him to attain the
accolade of being third in the County of Surrey. He then moved
up to compete in the South-East England Championships where he
emerged 14th out of 200 competitors. At the Public Schools Championships,
he represented his school and was in the top 32 out of 500.
Nirav then competed
in the UK team championships in which he came 2nd in the UK. Nirav
still says, “I remember Bapa’s motto, ‘To be
the Best’ and I still want to achieve that.” Nirav
is the Vice-Captain of the under 14 squad.
Throughout the
competitions, he has upheld all his niyams. Whilst other competitors
would have snacks and meals during the competitions, Nirav would
take a simple pack lunch from home and not eat from the canteen.
Also, he does not eat chocolate, pizza or chips. He is an active
member of the Bal Mandal and participates in all the activities.
He was a member of the Support Services Team that assisted with
all the projects of the Suvarna Jayanti, UK.
When Doctor Swami
came to London, Nirav and his brother did a demonstration in front
of him. Nirav was felicitated in the sabha for performing well.
Message:
Aim to be the Best
in whatever you do. If you put the effort in and persevere, your
hard work will bear fruits just as it did for Nirav. |