Page 131 - DAIS Insignia 2024-2025

ISF SERBIA LES ELFES SKI

ISF U15 GYMNASIADE ZLATIBOR, A Week to Remember-
SERBIA 2025
Ski Camp at Les Elfes,

Verbier

The chilly wind in our faces, excited
c h e e r s e c h o i n g f ro m a b ove a s
paragliders soar through the sky, and
the satisfying crunch of skis slicing
through snow—these are just some of
the unforgettable sounds of Les 4
Being the only Triple Medallist for India in ISF Serbia, the only Gold Medallist Vallées in Verbier, Switzerland. These
and the second medallist ever to win in Taekwando after my brother Zahaan's familiar sounds never fail to fill me with
victory last year made me feel empowered because I went into this with fear & excitement as I gear up for yet another
ILLAN KAPADIA uncertainty. Also, Zahaan is a super tough act to follow, but I did the impossible incredible week of skiing.
& the rest is now history. Serbia was freezing, the cold hits differently there. Verbier is a charming little town nestled
Seeing the sheer size of my opponents was not only intimidating, but the daunting task of securing a medal weighed right in the heart of the Alps. The bus ride there is honestly part of the fun—everyone's buzzing with energy, noses
heavy. Being at ISF is all about National Pride… it's not who wins the medal, but that a medal was won for India & a record pressed to the windows, pointing out the snow-covered peaks and picture-perfect valleys. But it's when we finally
was set for our Country. I beam with pride more for my country than myself. There's no higher feeling than victory for pull into the Les Elfes campus, our home for the week, that it really hits us—ski camp is on.
your Country. I'm guided by such amazing coaches & a supporting school PE Team to whom I've devoted all my energy
playing various sports for. Let's also not forget our DAIS sports Head is an Olympian!! Inspiration enough. I feel beyond The cozy wooden chalets look straight out of a postcard, and it's such a shift from the busy city life we're used to. As
blessed, grateful and appreciative for all those who've encouraged me to excel & achieve the impossible. - Ilaan Kapadia we crowd around in the snow, taking in the views, the ever-patient staff start explaining our schedules and how the
week is going to unfold. But none of us are really listening, we're too excited! We stampede down to collect our ski
gear, laughing, slipping, pushing past each other, all in a rush to be ready for the slopes.
Walking into the main town square on opening night, surrounded by over 3,500
student-athletes from 54 countries, was nothing short of surreal. Each delegation I still remember my first time skiing, I must've fallen a dozen times then. But now, I'm standing at the top of a tall,
walked proudly behind their flags, and in that moment, I was overwhelmed by a bumpy slope, skis parallel, body balanced, and turning with precision. It's taken years of tumbles and sore legs to get
sense of pride and belief. Representing my school and country on an international here, but every trip has made me more confident. Skiing isn't easy, but if you stick with it, it's unbelievably
stage was both humbling and exciting. rewarding. And it's not just skiing! After a long day on the mountain, we still have loads to do. Whether it's heading
into town in groups, racing to decorate cookies, chilling with a movie, taking on hilarious challenges, or even
The tennis tournament started off with my singles, and I started strong with a close dancing our sore legs off at the disco. One of the highlights was the full-day excursion to a cheese factory and a
win over Chile. The very next day brought a serious test—not just of skill, but of chocolate factory, and it felt like we were living in a real-life Roald Dahl story!
strength and resilience. We faced intermittent snowfall, and with temperatures
dipping to 5 degrees Celsius (and feeling closer to zero thanks to the biting windchill), By the end of the week, though, things start to wind down. The energy that filled the Les Elfes campus slowly fades
staying focused on the game and playing on clay courts was a big challenge. Never as we all start packing, not quite ready to say goodbye. But even as we zip up our suitcases, there's this quiet sense
did I imagine that I'd be playing against players of so many Nationalities. of determination—a dream of coming back, getting better, maybe even winning a race next time. One thing's for
sure: Verbier isn't just about skiing. It's about memories, friendships, challenges, and learning to love every part of
In the singles quarterfinals, I faced Turkey in what turned out to be a very close match the ride—bumps and all. - Aisshu Fadia
that went all the way to a tiebreak! Though I narrowly lost, it was a match that taught IRA PANDE
me a lot about strategy, and the mental strength it takes to achieve success in a sport
like this.
The doubles match introduced new obstacles. After playing Chile in this event, and beating them in our first round, we
faced a strong Chinese team in the semi-finals. Although we lost, it was an invaluable experience playing against such
talented players. In the bronze medal match against Belgium, we recovered, gave it our all, and emerged victorious—a
proud moment that I'll carry with me forever.
I will forever cherish this memory. A huge thank you to school for giving me the opportunity to play on this global
platform and always being so supportive. The chance to represent my country on such a big stage has truly been the
highlight of my sporting journey so far. - Ira Pande

Winning the bronze medal in U15 Girls ISF Judo at Zlatibor, Serbia, was one of
those moments that made everything—the exhaustion, the early mornings, Les Elfes ski camp was an experience like no other, which opened
the setbacks—feel worth it. The road there wasn't smooth. It was built on me and my classmates up to a new realm of possibilities that we
hours of repetition, quiet frustration, and choosing to show up even when my never could've imagined back home in Mumbai. Not only did we get
body begged for rest. to explore the many slopes of Verbier, but we got an opportunity to
Competing against strong international opponents was both daunting and explore the town for ourselves and take part in many activities
exhilarating. The unfamiliar climate, the intensity of the matches, the together with the camp counsellors. Being at the camp without our
pressure—it all demanded more than just physical strength. It asked for parents gave all of us a chance to be self-sufficient and be
patience, focus, and trust in the work I'd put in. Through all of it, I wasn't alone. responsible with our belongings, such as clothes, food and money.
Parraysh Sir's presence at the venue kept me anchored, and Cawas Sir's Each day had us follow a similar schedule, more regimented than
phone calls gave me the clarity and belief I needed at just the right moments. life at home but still an important routine to balance out how hectic
the rest of our week was. Les Elfes overall was quite an eventful
This medal isn't just bronze. It's a memory, a marker of how far I've come, and experience, teaching us many new skills and introducing us to
a reminder of the people who stood by me through it all. I leave this a new environment with many new activities to partake in!
chapter feeling proud, grateful, and more driven than ever to keep going.
RIA SANGHAVI - Guni Atmanu P Fadia
- Ria Sanghavi

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