Curious about how sports and poetry can come together in an unexpected yet amazing way? Dive into Bhawna Jaiswal’s world, where she skillfully combines athletic talent with poetic expression, creating a unique blend that truly stands out. You won’t want to miss how she makes this unusual combination effective as well as brilliant.
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Know The Athletic Star ‘Bhawna Jaiswal’
Bhawna Jaiswal is a multi-talented individual who excels in various fields, including athletics and poetry, while being a government servant. As a champion long jumper, thanks to her dedication & impressive achievements, she has earned respect & admiration within the sports community. Alongside her athletic skills, Bhawna is also a talented poet with nearly 1 million devoted listeners on Instagram, all vibing with her motivational & inspiring verses.
In addition to her dual passions, Bhawna is an active content creator on social media, where she shares BTS from her training & poetic projects. With a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, she’s all about living life as an athlete. Bhawna also leverages her experiences as a motivational speaker mentoring in physical education classes, inspiring others to pursue their dreams & embrace their passions.
On the occasion of National Sports Day, we had a candid chat with Bhawna Jaiswal, the emerging athlete & an up-and-coming poetess, and learned about her journey from start to date.
What sparked your interest in sports & led you to pursue it professionally?
Bhawna expressed, “When I was in 8th grade, I told my Physical Education teacher that I wanted to participate in sports. He looked at me, noticed I was thin, and said ‘I wouldn’t be able to succeed.’ However, I have always been motivated to prove people wrong. I started playing sports, earned several medals, and was eventually selected for the Nationals. My professional journey began after 12th grade when I joined a dedicated academy. There, I found an excellent coach who helped me develop my skills to represent India.”
What drew you to content creation & what made you choose poetry as a medium?
Poetry is a powerful medium for self-expression because it instils complex emotions & ideas into a concentrated form, using evocative language, rhythm, and imagery. Its flexibility allows for personal interpretation & emotional depth, making it easier to convey subtleties & nuances that might be difficult to express through straightforward prose. The constraints of form, such as rhyme or meter, can also stimulate creativity, helping individuals explore & articulate their inner experiences in innovative ways.
How do you balance your sports career with your love for writing & sharing poetry on Instagram?
“Poetry heals me. Writing poems is something that I do so that I can keep myself and my mental health in order.” – This beautiful statement by Bhawna captures how poetry serves as a vital tool for her to maintain her mental well-being & personal balance.
Does your identity as a poet connect with being an athlete? Does writing poems help you express your sports experiences?
Bhawna said, “As an athlete pursuing a future in sports, I often feel immense pressure, which makes it difficult to connect with others and can lead to isolation. This weight can be overwhelming. I have found that poetry is the best way to express these feelings. I have learned to present myself through my poetry. It motivates me to excel as an athlete in the end.”
Vinesh Phogat showcased her phenomenal talent and faced the toughest challenges at the Paris Olympics 2024. How did her performance influence a female athlete like you in India?
“Vinesh Phogat is a commendable wrestler whose remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics has made her a beacon of inspiration for young female athletes in India. Despite the challenges and societal judgments faced by women in sports, Vinesh’s achievements highlight the resilience required to overcome obstacles and pursue one’s dreams. She added, “It is really difficult to be a female athlete in a country like India where people constantly judge you for what you are.”
How is sports viewed as a career in India, and what are your thoughts on the government’s efforts?
At this point, the government is prioritizing sports and keeping up with developments in the field. For example, after the success of cricket in India, Neeraj Chopra brought javelin into the limelight, which made me very happy. It’s great to see sports gaining acknowledgement, and we have made significant progress. The future looks bright for sports.
How do you take care of your mental health, especially given the pressures of both athletic competition and social media presence?
“As an athlete, I believe that prioritizing mental health is essential, which wasn’t always the case in the past. The role of an athlete/ sports person involves 25% training, 25% rest, 25% recovery, and 25% diet. It’s important to be fit, not only physically but also mentally. Personally, I read books, seek guidance from my mentors, journal, and turn to my biggest motivator and support, my mother, because there is no one like her!“
Who are your role models in both the sports and literary worlds? How have they influenced your journey?
“My role model is Ivana Spanovic. She’s an amazing Serbian long jumper. For poems, I love to listen to Priya Malik ma’am. Her voice and her words are just soothing👌.” Bhawna highlights her admiration for these inspiring figures & the calming effect their work has on her.
What does National Sports Day mean to you personally? How do you celebrate this day?
“Jitni hamari expectations hai aur jitna hum chahte hai, utne hamare efforts bhi hone chahiye (Our efforts should match our expectations and desires). If we want to win medals in the Olympics, we must prepare the upcoming generation to compete for them,” said Bhawna.
Bhawna Jaiswal’s passion for sports, poetry, and her government job really shines on National Sports Day. Her ability to excel in all these areas is a powerful reminder that you can pursue and succeed in multiple passions at once. We wish her all the best because the world is her maidaan!
