MIES (Switzerland) – Poonam Chaturvedi stands out as a standout figure in the Indian basketball world, both literally and figuratively. Her height is reported to be somewhere between 6 feet 11 inches and 7 feet 0 inches, but either way, she holds the honor of being the tallest female basketball player in the country. This is a fact that draws attention both on and off the court.
But her story goes beyond her extraordinary stature. This is a story of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and embracing your uniqueness in the face of hardship.
An unexpected beginning
Born in Kanpur to a family of six feet tall, Poonam’s extraordinary height was evident from early on. However, growing up, she was not involved in sports and struggled with basic physical activities. It was in high school, when she was already 6 feet 3 inches tall, that a family friend encouraged her to play basketball. Kanpur was not the best place to develop her potential due to limited basketball facilities. Determined to grow up, Poonam moved to Chhattisgarh to train under the guidance of famous coach Rajesh Patel.
From Kanpur to the national stage
In Chhattisgarh, Poonam honed her skills and became an integral part of the state team. Her presence under the basket was a natural advantage with her height, making her a formidable center. In 2012, she represented India in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Cup Division B held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. During the tournament, Poonam proved her immense potential with an outstanding performance against China’s Hong Kong, scoring 32 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Her contribution helped India get promotion to Division A.
Her journey took a difficult turn when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly thereafter. Poonam remained resolute as she battled Ayurvedic treatments and magnetic therapy. She grew stronger and channeled that struggle into her performance on the court.
On-court challenges
Her height offers great advantages, but it also comes with unique challenges. Her agility and endurance are areas of concern, partially due to her lean physique and diet. Strength training exercises tailored to her needs, such as squats and lunges, are central to her plan.
“She can’t lift heavy weights, so we’re focusing on exercises that compensate for her bone structure,” Indian assistant coach Shiva Maggon said in 2017, according to ESPN. On the court, teams often devise strategies to neutralize her towering presence. Opponents crowd around her and know that once she gets the ball up, it will be nearly unstoppable. To counter this, the Indian coaching staff has adopted a zone defense strategy and emphasizes the ability to draw fouls.
Poonam made her senior national team debut in 2017 at the FIBA Women’s Asian Cup Division B in Bangalore. She surpassed both Division A and Division B players in height. Despite playing only 25 minutes per game, she averaged 6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Her standout performance came against Fiji, where she scored 10 points against a physically strong opponent. In the Division B final against Kazakhstan, Poonam’s contribution was hampered by a mild headache caused by a lingering brain tumor, but her support for the team never wavered.
Poonam’s presence is captivating. During the game, the crowd cheered just by seeing her walk onto the court. Her teammates find ways to lift her spirits, often standing on chairs to talk to her or making light-hearted jokes about her height.
“She likes it when we make her laugh,” Maggon said, revealing how they turned her insecurities into moments of friendship, according to ESPN.
beyond the game
For Poonam, basketball is more than just a sport. It is a medium for self-expression and empowerment. But she admits that the joy of scoring a goal pales in comparison to the disappointment of missing. Reflecting her high expectations for herself, she said, “The pain of missing a goal is greater than the joy of scoring a goal,” according to ESPN.
Her journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, especially those facing physical or social challenges. Poonam’s story from being a latecomer to the sport to representing India on the international stage embodies determination and resilience.
Looking to the future
Poonam Chaturvedi is approaching 30 years old this year, but her basketball journey is still on. Her ambitions are as high as her height. More importantly, she continues to be an inspiration to younger generations of players who see in her proof of how far passion and perseverance can take.
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