Having just bagged a gold medal at the All India National Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Championship at Morjim, in North Goa, Nikhamoni Bora from Assam – the first windsurfer from the northeast – was happy at the triumph, and has decided to make Goa her new practice base.
“This is the first time I got an opportunity to surf on the sea,” said Nikhamoni, who used to travel to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh to practice in a lake.
“Surfing in the sea is a totally different experience,” added the 23-year-old champion.
Hailing from Assam, Nikhamoni’s father is a motor mechanic and her mother, a housewife who farms and rears domestic animals. Life in Assam is tough, and that toughness is visible in Nikhamoni who does not take 'no' for an answer.
“I grew up helping my mother prepare handicrafts, and helping her in the field. With the money I earned, I went to school and completed my education,” admits Nikhamoni, who has a degree in Political Science and intends to finish her MBA.
Though the equipment for water sports is expensive, Nikhamoni availed of a loan for her first board and, along with her parents, has been paying for it, in the process, winning four gold medals, at the four Nationals in which she participated.
“This is an expensive sport, but fortunately, apart from the loan we took, I have got some assistance from the Assam government. Very soon, I will be given iQFoil equipment, which I intend to baptise in the waters of Goa,” she said as she aims for international glory.
“My aim is to win gold for my country at the Olympics. I know it takes a lot of work, and I am ready to forego anything and that is one reason I have decided to leave my parents and home, and come to Goa to practice,” says the Assamese whose desire for the best cannot be ignored.
“Once I come to Goa, I will need to find a coach and most probably some work so that I can sustain myself. At some point, I hope some corporate body will finance me,” she dreams.
Though the equipment for water sports is expensive, Nikhamoni availed of a loan for her first board and, along with her parents, has been paying for it, in the process, winning four gold medals, at the four Nationals in which she participated.
Coming from Assam, the beach is a new experience for her. “Whatever I do, I do it with passion. I first stepped onto a beach in 2023, when I participated in Yachting Association of India (YAI) Nationals in Mumbai. I was overwhelmed,” recollects the girl from the mountains of Assam.
“I had seen pictures and videos of the sea, but had never really experienced a beach. This sport has opened new vistas in my life, and I believe that if I work hard and with sacrifices, I will make it to the top,” believes Nikhamoni, as she brushes her hair which is gently blowing in the breeze.
On her first visit to Goa, and after the first competition from the beach, Nikhamoni enjoyed the experience and does not want to make it her last. “This coastline is the best in India when it comes to practicing for international events, and the people are helpful,” she admits.
“I came from Assam with colleagues from Madhya Pradesh and the few days we spent on the beach were spectacular. We never felt alone or lost because the people were ready to help whenever needed,” said Nikhamoni, who admits she is excited about the prospect of returning to Goa.
Nikhamoni Bora showed a determination, unseen in athletes these days. Right through the four days of the championship, she observed, spoke and learnt from the best.
Once in a while, she wandered alone to the sea, feeling the water splash at her feet, and as every wave rolled past her, the determination to win, and make her country proud through Goa, swelled.