Anita Pauldurai was Awarded Padma Shri for Representing India in Basketball

Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai, who brought medals to the country in basketball, has won many awards.
Image Credit: Olympics
Image Credit: Olympics

Basketball champion Anita Pauldurai started learning the game of basketball at the age of 11. His school's basketball coach N. Sampath worked to identify the hidden talent in Anita. But it was not so easy for Anita Pauldurai to travel to make India proud by playing basketball.

Early days of Anitha Pauldurai 

Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai was born on 22 June 1985 in a simple family in Chennai. She started her inclination towards basketball while studying in school. Anita reached Madras University to complete her studies.

During the same time, his school coach Sampath formed a Rising Star club. Anita started playing for this club. This was his first debut at the local level. Along with playing, she was also continuously studying. she did his MBA from Annamalai University. In 2003, he joined Southern Railway from Sports Quota.

Image Credit: Twitter
Image Credit: Twitter

Anitha Pauldurai won many prizes Rising Star club

Playing for the club, Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai won many prizes. Meanwhile, a National Team coach liked Anita's quickness and hard work. Anita was selected for the national team.

Captain of the country's National Basketball Team

Anitha Pauldurai was very passionate about her game. However, in 2004, at the age of 19, she was made the captain of the country's national basketball team. Anita remained the captain of the basketball team for eight consecutive years. Meanwhile, Anita Pauldurai has won many medals for the team.

Anita's Marriage Life

Anita Pauldurai got married while playing basketball. While playing in the Asia Cup in 2015, she took maternity leave. she also gave birth to a child. After becoming the mother of a child, it was very difficult to travel back to the sport again.

But Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai did not give up. She practised a lot and believed in herself that everything would be right. Finally, she made a comeback in the year 2017.

Image Credit: The Indian Express
Image Credit: The Indian Express

Anita played for India 

Till this year, India was placed in Division B of Basketball. Anita had thought that whatever happens, she will keep returning to India. The final match was against Kazakhstan in Bangalore. If India wins this match, it will move to Division A. However, India won the match. Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai played for India from 2000 to 2017.

Achievements of Anita Pauldurai

In these 18 years, she made many records in her name. Anita is the first Indian player to play the 9th Asian Basketball Confederation. Not only this, but 30 medals of the National Championship are also in her name. After playing as a player, she was made the assistant coach of the India Under-16 team. Currently, she is posted as Chief Welfare Inspector in Railways.

Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai, who brought honour to the country in basketball, has won many awards. The Asian Indoor Games were held in Vietnam in the year 2009. In this, she won the silver medal. Not only this, she won the gold medal in the South Asian Games of Sri Lanka.

Image Credit: IBTimes India
Image Credit: IBTimes India

Anita Pauldurai was awarded Padma Shri Award 

In the year 2012, beating everyone, she had scattered gold in the Haiyang province of China. Anita was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the year 2018. The Government of India has also awarded Padma Shri, the fourth-highest honour of the country.

Inspiration to Millions Today

Anita Pauldurai made a career in a sport that is not much popular. But she has written his success story on the strength of his talent and hard work. Basketball Champion Anitha Pauldurai, who brought India's name to the game of basketball, is truly an inspiration to millions today.

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