GUWAHATI, Feb 10 - Riding high on confidence after playing a crucial part in helping India clinch the gold medal in women�s Kho-Kho at the ongoing 12th South Asian Games (SAG), Supriya Gogoi who hails from Dibrugarh district is determined to make an impact at the upcoming Asian Kho-Kho championships.
�I am very happy with the fact that I featured in a squad which won the gold medal at the South Asian Games. Representing the country is always a big thing and I am very much thankful to the state association for their support till date,� said the 19 year old player.
Donning the national colours for the first time, she went on to feature in all the Kho-Kho matches of the 12th SAG.
Being asked regarding the decision behind opting for the sport, she said: �I started playing Kho-Kho at the age of around 11 years and since then I have just loved playing it. Although the sport is yet to witness the much required glamour in it but I have heard that the Indian federation is planning to come up with a league similar to the Kabaddi league. If it comes then I believe things will be much better,� Gogoi said.
The Indian women�s team was picked after selection trials at Mumbai before proceeding for the camps at Gandhinagar.
The teenager who is pursuing her degree at the Tengakhat College in Dibrugarh usually prefers to train during the evening hours.
�We don�t practice during the morning hours. I am doing my graduation and I am into the second year now. I usually practice during the evening hours. I plan to work hard and want to feature in as many international championships as possible,� she added.
Coach of the Indian women�s Kho-Kho team, Praveen Sharma praised the efforts of the local girl and stated that she has a long career ahead of her.
�She featured in all the matches and is a fine prospect. I believe she has a long career ahead and has the potential to make it big. She performed incredibly well at the SAG,� Sharma said.
Speaking regarding her goals, Gogoi said: �I want to keep on playing for as long as possible. I will try to work even hard as the Asian championships is scheduled to be held this year.�