Sanchita Sarma Shines at 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals: Dr. Sanchita Sarma, a 50-year-old anesthesiologist, recently reached the quarter-finals in the 50+ category at the 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals in Noida. The event, held at Bennett University, showcases the growing popularity of pickleball in India. In addition to her medical career, Dr. Sarma is an accomplished ITF tennis player and a powerlifter, having won district gold in the 50+ category last year.
Balancing Sports and a Medical Career
Dr. Sarma discussed how she balances her demanding medical career with her sporting pursuits.
“Pickleball… it’s a very popular game. My sister is in the US, and she says that this is the…most prevalent game in the States, which is like massively popular in India, and I have friends in Delhi who used to always invite me to play pickleball. So I tried one day with the paddle, and it was very interesting.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
She highlighted the appeal of pickleball’s inclusivity and its benefits for physical and mental well-being.
“It keeps you…brisk on the court, you have to run, you have to be very fast on the court, helps in your mental well-being…and the second thing is, it is for all the age groups. So we can think about playing this game even when we are a bit older. That gives inspiration that maybe in the future till my old age I can keep on playing something which will keep me fit and fine.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
Dr. Sarma noted that the sport provides a refreshing break from her stressful medical profession, saying,
“In my stressful job…this…bat and ball game…keeps me refreshed.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
Training Regimen and Motivations
Balancing her diverse commitments requires careful planning.
“I am trying to manage my schedule; I sleep early, I wake up early in the morning and before my family is awake, I’m done with my practice sessions. I start my day at 5:10, and by 5:45 AM, I’m out…either to the gym…or for my tennis practice. So now I have to manage pickleball with that I and plan, accordingly.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
Dr. Sarma believes her medical training influences her approach to sports.
“Number one is discipline. Number two, the people when they play against me, they always say that you are a doctor, you are playing with your mind. So maybe the tactics what I use, they find it quite impressive…My main aim at the IPA Nationals was whatever I prepared and I must go and deliver and I think that I managed to do so.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
Her fitness regimen includes three days of powerlifting and strength training, three days of cardio such as lawn tennis, and pickleball practice twice a week. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, saying,
“Three days a week, I go to the gym for powerlifting and strength training. Three days, I do my cardio, such as lawn tennis…and now it will be…twice a week—pickleball in the evening. I have to be careful about my diet. I carry tiffin to my workplace, have frequent meals, and take care of my carbohydrate and protein intake.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
A compliment about her youthful appearance has further fueled her motivation.
“At the IPA nationals, a 35-year-old asked me about my age and when I said, ‘Actually, I’m 50’, and then she said, ‘Oh, you don’t look 50. I thought you were around 39.’ That is a push.” – (Sanchita Sarma)
Dr. Sarma’s journey highlights the increasing engagement of senior players in pickleball and the sport’s potential for promoting physical and mental well-being among all age groups.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity in India, more individuals like Dr. Sarma are likely to embrace the sport, enhancing their health and well-being.
News in Brief: Sanchita Sarma Shines at 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals
Dr. Sanchita Sarma, a 50-year-old anesthesiologist, reached the quarter-finals in the 50+ category at the 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals in Noida.
An accomplished ITF tennis player and powerlifter, she balances her medical career with sports. Dr. Sarma emphasizes pickleball’s inclusivity and health benefits, showcasing its potential for promoting physical and mental well-being as the sport gains popularity in India.
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