The 21-year-old from Tahachal, Kathmandu, was representing Sunsari team during the Second NeCOS National Open Women´s Basketball Tournament held in the capital after she was taken into the team from Dharan where she is pursuing her MBBS studies. [break]Her inclusion in the team was based on merit, as the best three-pointer in Dharan, and she vindicated this later on.
Mittal started to play basketball at Maharani Gayatri Devi School in Jaipur, India when she was just 13. In the initial days, she used to get left behind on the bench while her seniors made it into the regular squad. At age 16, she got a chance to represent her school in the Inter-Public School Championship.
It was her maiden competitive game in 2007 and she helped her team win the title. Her performance also earned her a place in the Rajasthan state team. The following year, her school finished in second position.
Her passion for basketball did not end after she left highschool. She has been continuing with the game as recreation breaks during her MBBS work at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan. “When friends asked why I play basketball I used to tell them that I feel refreshed afterwards,” she said.
“I was afraid to play in front of my teachers as one of the students, who used to play the guitar all the time, did not score good marks, and the teachers scolded him,” said Mittal.
Lots of friends used to ask her how she could go and play tournaments prior to exams but she would ignore them and head straight for the tournament.
Mittal has become an example how playing basketball does not hamper one´s studies. In the sixth semester exam only 18 students out of 100 passed and she was one among three girls who also passed. “My friends always ask me how I score good marks while still playing basketball.”
Mittal says that her game has improved her studies. “I play basketball for three hours and jog for half an hour; that leaves me fresh and I can then concentrate on my studies.”
Mittal had missed the Sixth National Games due to a facture in her left arm. “I still have problem with my left hand but I managed to play well enough during the NeCOS tournament,” she said adding, “My three-point shots are more accurate than the inside drive; so I prefer three-pointers.”
“As I play in a forward position I can drive the ball inside the arc but I did not know about the opponents here in Kathmandu so I preferred three-point shots,” she pointed out.
Mittal´s family is now supportive. “In the past my father used to scold me for playing as I would get injured. Now he supports me in playing basketball.”
Mittal likes basketball legend Michel Jordon and also Kobe Bryant. “Jordon is one of the biggest players while Bryant´s fancy shots and style attract me.”
She says her most memorable shot was the on-the-face-shot she hit during the doctors versus journalists match held in Dharan earlier this year.
“I´d like to play basketball as long as my body allows me” said Mittal, who is also out to pursue a career as a cardiac surgeon.
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