Srishti aspires to play in WNBA in 5 years

An India international at the youth level, the 19-year-old is currently part of the University of Winnipeg (Canada) roster as one of its foreign recruits. Srishti, who got hooked to the sport during her school days, wants to ply her trade in the EuroLeague Women or Women’s Japan Basketball League before challenging for a historic spot in WNBA.

“I aspire to play in WNBA and I would give myself five years from now for that to happen. I could aim to get into WNBA straightaway but would like to test myself elsewhere,” said Srishti. “My coach at Winnipeg, Tanya McKay, has a lot of contacts. I share a great rapport with her and that is one of the reasons why I came here,” she added.

Having received few offers from institutions in Canada and the United States of America, Srishti eventually decided to pursue a Psychology programme in Winnipeg. On what convinced her to join the university in the Manitoba capital, she responded, “It’s so far away from India. So, I selected the place which felt like another home to me.”

The local lass has made heads turn in the past few years with impressive performances and if not for player-cum-coach Inderbir Singh Gill, she wouldn’t have secured a spot in Winnipeg. “I was selected for an India (age category) camp and that is where I met Inderbir. I told him about my plans. He got me in touch with the coach, which was of great use.”

Apart from Srishti, the Winnipeg squad comprises imports from USA and Germany. Sharing a close bond with her teammates, who she termed as ‘amazing people’, the Indian is enjoying her stint in Canada. “People here are basically friendly. I really like the way our programme is. We have practice every day and I gel with my team well,” she said.

Asked if she is facing any challenges while competing abroad, Srishti, who is also a model, explained, “As a player, physicality is one thing we lack. We Indians are not as strong as they (players from USA or Canada) are. We don’t lift weights often but I think we should. I am working on my physicality and it is better that what it was ayear ago.”