At the towering height of 6 foot 11 inches, Poonam Chaturvedi is India’s tallest woman basketball player in India, but her extraordinary path to success hasn’t exactly been a slam dunk. Born and raised in the small town of Kanpur, Poonam's exceptional height coupled with her innate talent for basketball paved the way very early for a spot in the Indian women’s basketball team. But her journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Despite her obvious physical advantages, she also faced challenges where agility was concerned. With dedication and guidance from her coach Rajesh Patel, she honed her skills.
Poonam's basketball career began as a suggestion from a family friend when she was already 6'3" during her high school years. Once her potential was recognised, she moved to Chhattisgarh to train under Coach Patel, where she found better opportunities. However, her entire trajectory paused when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013. Despite undergoing two surgeries and facing the challenges of a malformed upper lip, she continued to play, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport she loves. After a five-year battle, she was declared tumour-free in 2019.
Simple tasks like sitting in a car, finding shoes that fit, or even entering a room present challenges due to her extraordinary height. Despite these difficulties, she remains focused on her game, constantly striving to improve her performance and fitness.
Despite her challenges, Poonam remains focused on her goals. While she acknowledges the advantages her height brings to the game, she also understands the importance of balance, performance, and fitness.
As Poonam continues her basketball journey, her teammates stand by her, offering support and understanding. Their gestures, like standing on chairs to communicate with her, bring a smile to her face, fostering a positive team environment.
From battling physical difficulties to representing her country on the basketball court, Poonam Chaturvedi's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. As she continues to inspire others with her story, we eagerly await the day she brings further glory to India through her basketball skills.