'Everything feels like a dream'; Nimisha after getting PM Modi's praise

KOCHI: On October 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on 'X': "Nimisha's golden achievement in the long jump is a source of pride and inspiration for the country. Best wishes for the upcoming battles..." PM Modi was adulating C S Nimisha (22), a resident of Ernakulam’s Chellanam.

When asked to describe how she felt seeing this praise for prime minister, she coyly replied “Everything feels like a dream…”

When asked about future plans, Nimisha’s response was rapid and resolute. “ I should participate in the Paralympics and should win gold. I will prepare for that”

Nimisha became the country's pride by winning gold in the long jump with a 5.15-meter jump at the Para Asian Games in China where 45 countries participated. Nimisha, the daughter of fishermen Suresh and Chandralekha was born with ailments in her right hand. She won’t be able to exert any power with her right hand. After completing her primary education in Kerala, Nimisha soon took the train to the SAI centre in Gujarat as she decided sports as her future.

She has already completed online degree studies at SKD University, Rajasthan. Nimisha is now preparing for MBA studies. She won gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix held in Dubai in 2021 and secured third place in the long jump at the 'IWAS' Games held in Portugal. She was also a member of the Kerala team that won the Kho-Kho bronze medal at the national level.

Nimisha is now training with the scholarship of the Union Ministry of Sports. Vinod, a native of Haryana, is Nimisha's head coach. Nimisha takes inspiration from Mirabai Chanu and Mary Kom. Emerslyn Lewis, a sports teacher at St. Mary's School, Chellanam, provided training and support during her nascent stage in athletics.