Swastika Ghosh is already a name to reckon with. The currently ninth-ranked paddler of the country from Maharashtra was within the top five last year. The six-time national champion in three formats (cadet, sub-junior, and junior) even became fourth in the world youth category in 2021. 

Swastika, already included under the Union sports ministry's TOP scheme, has been participating in international competitions continuously since 2015. She started representing the country in the women's category in 2021 but was omitted from India’s Commonwealth Games team last year and her father moved court for justice. The reflection came out later as she was allowed to represent the country in the World Championship. 

Her career got a big twist in 2018 when she drew the attention of the Virat Kohli Foundation after winning individual medal in Jordan and then winning the gold medal for the national team in the SAFF. Swastika's father and coach Sandip Ghosh revealed, "Swastika would not have had this meteoric rise if Virat Kohli Foundation had not come forward. After Swastika became the junior national champion in 2018 Virat Kohli Foundation started sponsoring her and she began to take part in different international competitions, especially where the Chinese and Japanese paddlers used to participate. The foundation used to bear all expenses. Initially, they bore the expenses of Swastika. Later they allowed me also to travel with her, bearing my expenses also.”

Swastika, currently undergoing a two-week extensive training from legendary Chinese coach Qiu Zia Zin at Osaka, divulged while speaking over the phone, “I could be able to meet Virat Kohli a couple of times in the annual award function organized by Virat Kohli Foundation. I was overwhelmed by his encouragement and motivation.” 

"I always try to follow his advice of doing hard work. I also watch legendary female Chinese paddler Lu Shin's matches. I also like Roger Federer. Even, former India international Paulami Ghatak is one of the favourites in India. But, Virat Kohli's motivational words have some influence on me." 

Swastika is the only Indian paddler to have received sponsorship from the famous Chinese gear company DHS which also sponsors renowned Chinese paddlers including Ma Long. She plays with DHS Hurricane Neo 3 rubber and while commenting on its speciality she explained, "This rubber is sticky. You have to master playing the shots late."

The 20-year-old paddler also added, “Practicing with male players mainly is helping me a lot. Additionally, the coach’s advice on the tactics is unique.”

Swastika has now her only dream which is to win a medal in the Olympics and in a bid to strengthen her performance she will be participating in the Bundesliga First Division league first time. She said, "I am excited to have the opportunity to play in the Bundesliga starting from 14th October." Swastika who reached the quarterfinals in the recently concluded Bangkok Open will take part in Sweden Open before playing in Bundesliga.