Joe Williams

The legendary Romanian Nadia Comaneci had inspired many in the past. Even today, the budding gymnasts feel the magic of Miss perfect and city-based Rucha Divekar is not exception to it.

Fourteen-year-old Rucha, made history by winning the national under-17 gymnastic championship for the third year on the trot, feels that the gymnastic legend is the source of inspiration for her.

"I have a large collection of her pictures. I know I can't reach to her level but I will try my best to attain the maximum level in the game," says Rucha while speaking to DNA from Jaipur.

Rucha won her first national title in 2008 at Allahabad when she was just 12 years old. She continued her fine form and won Cuttak nationals followed by Jaipur nationals held recently.

"It is the feat which none of the Indian gymnasts has achieved so far," said her coach Ramkrishna Lokhande. "Her age is on her side and her determination towards the game makes her future bright," he added.

The impressive performance at Jaipur Nationals turned out to be a special one for Rucha as she is to board the flight to Japan for the Asian Junior Championship next month.

"Some experts feel that it will be tough for me to participate in the Asian level at this age. But I leave it to the judges to decide," said standard IX student of Aranyeshwar English Medium School.

The country has produced several talented gymnasts, but still it's far behind when it comes to European or Asian countries. But, Rucha has something different in mind, as she is focusing on the Junior Asian Championship to be held at Japan from March 13.

"I want to make this sport more popular in our country," said Rucha who feels the parental support and presence of her mother Tanvi at all competitions is the driving force behind her performance




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