The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital
In the world of sports, it is always inspiring to come across individuals who possess extraordinary talent and dedication. Damin Rido and Damin Risho, twins hailing from Kanyakumari and students at Kumaraguru College of Technology, have not only excelled in the niche sport of fencing but have also achieved remarkable milestones along the way. Renowned for their agility, mental prowess, and strategic gameplay, these talented fencers have made a mark for themselves in the national sporting arena and are on a mission to bring glory to India on the international stage.
The journey of this dynamic duo into the world of fencing began during their school days; the sports coach recognized their potential and invited them to join a local fencing club. “Initially, it was Rido who took up fencing, but observing his dedication and success sparked my own interest in the sport,” explains Risho. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a passion, and soon enough, Rido and Risho found themselves immersed in the intricate art of modern sword fighting. With each passing year skills sharpened, and determination to bang podiums only grew stronger, and indeed they have.
The fencing journey of the brothers is marked with milestones. From winning two medals in nationals to securing victories in various state-level competitions, their dedication to fencing has consistently propelled them forward. Starting from a silver medal for the Tamil Nadu team during their eighth grade, and now in college, they proudly won a bronze for the state in the National Youth Games.
As a reward for their achievements, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K.Stalin bestowed upon them a cash prize of 50,000 rupees. To further encourage their pursuit of excellence, the state government also awarded the twins with a substantial grant of 1.5 lakh rupees each. The fencers credit their coach Mr. Selva Kumar Sir, for being the backbone of their success; offering invaluable guidance and support.
Being student-athletes, Rido and Risho acknowledge the challenges of balancing their academic commitments with their athletic endeavours. “Before entering college, maintaining a healthy equilibrium between academics and sports was manageable, but now it has become more challenging,” expresses Rido. However, with unwavering support from their parents, they have managed to navigate this delicate balancing act. While fencing dominates a considerable part of their lives, they manage to strike a harmony between the academic workload and rigorous training.
For these determined fencers, their aspirations extend far beyond individual achievements. They firmly believe that the number of Indian fencers should and will increase in the future; hoping their achievements will be catalysts for this change. “Our goal is to win the Senior National Fencing Championship”, says the duo. As they continue to train tirelessly, Rido and Risho are resolute to raise the profile of fencing in India and inspire future generations of athletes. Aiming for the moon, the brothers dream of representing India at the Olympics and bringing home medals.
The story of Rido and Risho showcases the power of passion, hard work, and an unyielding spirit. These twin fencers from Kanyakumari capture the hearts of all who witness their determination and prowess. Through their achievements and unwavering dedication, they serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes; demonstrating that with the right mind-set and support any dream can be achieved. As their journey continues, as they scale ever taller obstacles – we eagerly await their next triumph on the national and international fencing stages, confident that they will continue to make bring honour to our nation.
By
Mahema C M
scrabble_kumaraguru
