Hailing from the rural belt of Sitapur in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, Anupa Tirkey embodies resilience and determination. Coming from an indigenous tribal background, she embarked on her sporting journey in 2015 without even basic familiarity with basketball. Starting completely from scratch, she honed her abilities through unrelenting practice on the court. Over the years, she progressed from regional competitions to the international arena, and is currently balancing academic studies with a part-time job while training young children in the fundamentals of the sport.
Foundation and Training in Rajnandgaon
The turning point in Anupa's athletic development arrived when she received structured mentorship from coach Rajesh Prakash. Recognizing her natural athleticism and work ethic, the coach facilitated her move to Rajnandgaon, a prominent sports hub within the state. It was in Rajnandgaon that Anupa gained comprehensive exposure to competitive basketball drills, tactical formations, and technical gameplay. Under dedicated guidance, she steadily advanced from fundamental workouts to advanced competitive preparation, transforming into a reliable court player.
Representing the Country in Croatia
Consistent hours in training yielded major results in 2017 when Anupa earned a coveted selection to compete internationally in Croatia. Playing on European courts presented an entirely unfamiliar environment with sophisticated infrastructure. Watching international athletes execute strategies up close allowed her to absorb fresh court techniques and elevate her technical skills. The exposure in Croatia proved to be a defining milestone that broadened her competitive perspective and reinforced her self-belief on the global stage.
Unwavering Support from a Farming Family
Anupa's father works as an agrarian farmer who primarily cultivates paddy fields. In many rural communities, young women often face cultural barriers and restricted freedom when attempting to pursue athletics beyond local boundaries. However, Anupa's family stood firmly behind her ambitions. Both her parents supported her dual pursuits in academics and athletics, with her father actively encouraging her to step onto the court without hesitation. This family backing served as a vital shield against external doubt and financial difficulties.
Multiple Gold Medals across National Tournaments
At the domestic circuit, Anupa compiled an impressive competitive record. She represented her home state in roughly five to six national-level tournaments held across venues such as Delhi and Haryana. Her performances translated into tangible success, as she secured gold medals around five to six times over the course of these national competitions. These podium finishes validated her technical progression and confirmed her status as one of the standout basketball figures emerging from her region.
Pursuing Higher Studies for a Career in Sports Education
Despite her international exposure and domestic silverware, Anupa continues to face the day-to-day realities of building a sustainable career. She is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) program while simultaneously working a part-time job as a sports instructor at a school. Through this job, she actively mentors young students in basketball. Her immediate goal is to complete her professional degree and secure a permanent appointment as a physical education teacher, ensuring personal stability while building future athletes from grassroots backgrounds.
Balancing Academic Rigor with Court Practice
Managing the physical demands of basketball alongside academic coursework remains an ongoing challenge. Anupa acknowledges that she initially took up basketball without grandiose ambitions, but immersing herself in the sport gradually made her realize its potential as a lifelong vocation. She credits coach Rajesh Prakash for providing the initial platform and encouragement that allowed a young girl from Sitapur to dream of international tournaments and professional coaching roles.
