Kishan’s story — from giving up cricket to discovering success in bowling

R. Kishan gained the primary South Zone Tenpin bowling event in Bangalore on Thursday.
| Picture Credit score: Particular Association

R. Kishan gave up his cricket desires to carve out a reputation for himself in a much less standard sport, bowling.

His determination has paid dividends, as Kishan — one of many nation’s high bowlers — gained the primary South Zone Tenpin bowling event in Bangalore on Thursday.

““Everybody performs cricket. I wished to attempt one thing new,” Bengaluru lad Kishan advised The Hindu after his title win.

What began as a strategy to move time after lacking tuition lessons quickly become a severe ardour, in the end main him to characterize India within the prestigious Asian Video games and 2025 IBF World Cup.

His begin in bowling got here when Kishan casually entered an area event on the age of 16. A lot to his shock, he completed within the high six. Impressed by his uncooked expertise, state-level bowlers inspired him to take part in State-level tournaments.

The turning level got here when Australian coach Andrew Crowley seen his potential. Beneath Crowley’s mentorship, Kishan adopted the two-handed O’Campo approach, resembling the type of three-time PBA World Championship winner, Jason Belmonte.

R. Kishan
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association

The shift in approach helped Kishan safe many State and Nationwide titles. He went to characterize India on the 2018 Asian Video games in Jakarta, and gained podium finishes in worldwide tournaments in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

He additionally completed a creditable ninth on the Bowling World Cup. Being a pupil on the time, Kishan needed to make a troublesome selection between teachers and his ardour. “I didn’t get permission to attend any extra bowling tournaments after 2019, so I simply stop my college,” the 25-year-old mentioned.

The dearth of assist from academic establishments remains to be is a bitter reminiscence for Kishan, however he believes that issues are altering now.

In the present day, Kishan balances his profession in building along with his love for bowling. “Earlier than, I solely used to bowl. Now I’ve to work. I’m attempting to pursue full-time bowling for certain. However earlier than that, I’ve to settle my profession.

“If I really want to make it large within the bowling area, I’ve to journey rather a lot and play solely worldwide contests to make sufficient cash. I get calls from children asking if I can educate them. That retains the hearth alive,” Kishan mentioned.

Kishan strongly believes that extra consciousness and tournaments, particularly for girls, can take the game additional in India. “On this event, we had 85 males and simply 9 ladies. That should change.

“I hope to see extra beginner occasions and higher illustration in India. Half of the individuals of this nation don’t even know that one thing like bowling exists. Small regional tournaments are essential to create consciousness,” he mentioned.