Dombivli gymnast Ishwari Shirodkar wins gold, silver in Russian Open Championships

Residents of Dombivli could not contain their pride and excitement after gymnast Ishwari Shirodkar from the region won a gold and silver in the Russian Open Championships last week.

The International Aerobics Championship was held in Moscow, Russia from November 16 to November 19. 500 players from 11 countries participated in the championship.  18-year-old Shirodkar participated in the Above 17 seniors category and won a gold in mix pair and silver medal in individual performance. “This is my third international win. Now, I am preparing myself to participate in the trials for world championships.  The date and venue for it are yet to be announced,” says Shirodkar. 

Shirodkar’s success continues from her participation in the Indian Open held in Goa in May 2017, and the Asian Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand in May 2018 where she won a gold in each tournament. “If I am selected in the world championship trials, I will try to win a gold,” she says.

Shirodkar took to aerobics gymnastics at the age of four and hopes to pursue it as a career. Encouraged by her father, a doctor by profession, and mother, a homemaker, Shirodkar has not thought of an alternate career yet. “If I am good then I will continue to perform in my field.  There is no pressure from my parents to choose or do anything else,” she says.

A student of class XII, Shirodkar is studying Commerce at Dombivli’s Model College.  Her routine includes attending coaching classes in the morning, college lectures in the afternoon and ending the day with a three-hour gymnastic practice from 5.30 pm to 9 pm. “When I do not have lectures to attend, I begin my practice earlier.  And when there is an upcoming championship, I practice day and night.  I love what I do,” says Shirodkar.

Amey Shinde from Panvel secured two yellow metals in the championships.