As A Basketball Coach, Suvarna Limaye Is Inspiring Inclusivity In Sports

Coaching a diverse array of athletes presents unique challenges and rewards, as fluently demonstrated by Suvarna Vijay Limaye. The seasoned basketball coach has displayed immense passion for the sport and dedication to her players, making her an inspirational figure in the sporting community. Growing up in a time when courts were dominated by male players, Limaye’s journey has not just been about defying conventions but about fostering an inclusive space for women of all ages, sportspersons with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Suvarna Limaye gave a glimpse of her distinguished career and also delved into the intricacies of the Indian sports landscape. Her daughter, Shireen Limaye, who captains the Indian Women's National Basketball Team, serves as a living testament to her mother's dedication to the sport and her inclusive coaching approach.

How Suvarna Limaye Inculcated A Craze For Basketball

Suvarna Limaye grew up with three sisters and a single mother in Pune, Maharashtra. After losing her father at a young age, she described that her childhood was difficult but she found solace in sports. Her fascination for basketball ignited during her schooldays when she glanced out of her classroom window and spotted players engrossed in a game at the college next door.

However, since she did not get the opportunity to play basketball in school, she waited till her college days to fully immerse herself in the sport. “Ever since, there has been no looking back,” she expressed. “My mother was busy with her career while my elder sisters were into academics so they hoped I too would focus on studying, but they never stopped me from playing, so here I am today!”

Limaye pursued her passion for basketball relentlessly and earned respect and admiration as a skilled player. Today, as a seasoned coach and mentor, she continues to inspire the next generation of basketball players, instilling in them the same passion and determination that has guided her own remarkable journey. However, the road to making it big as a woman in sports was not without its struggles.

“It was challenging for women as a player or a coach, and it still is challenging. When I first got into basketball, we used to play in the women's team coached by male coaches, and there were hardly a few women coaches. However, when I started as a female coach for a boys’ team, that calculation was not easy for people. They used to think women are too ‘soft-natured’ to be coaching boys.” 

Despite these challenges, Limaye optimistically shared that times are slowly changing for women in sports. “Sportswomen and female coaches in India are now making progress. They are standing like a rock with the men.” However, she acknowledges that the progress is slow. “Even now, whenever you are travelling with the team, away from your family, there are men all around you. In such situations, you have to be mentally really strong.”

The Emotional Impact Of Sports

Being a sportsperson, dealing with competition, defeat, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it is an inevitable part of the journey. Suvarna Limaye understands this reality all too well. She stands as a pillar not only for herself but also for her team and her 29-year-old national captain daughter, unwaveringly supporting them against all odds and being their source of strength. 

A few years ago, Limaye was approached to train wheelchair basketball players at the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune. “The first time I visited the place, I was completely zapped!” she expressed. “Everything about the game was the same but the players were in wheelchairs. Since they were from the army, their psyche was completely different. They were all so spirited.”

Limaye then learnt wheelchair basketball and completed a certification before coaching the team. “While coaching, I learn a lot from them. It’s a dose of positivity.” She also encourages games combining able-bodied players and those with disabilities as she believes, “There is so much the players can learn from each other. Differently-abled people have a unique mindset; they are mentally very strong.”

She explained how coaching para-athletes has not just added to her athletic repertoire but also brought a positive shift in her personal life. Witnessing the zeal and determination of her players has been a source of enrichment for Limaye, reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of sports. It has honed her commitment to creating empowering spaces in sports.

Nourishing The Body

For Limaye, her passion for sports isn't just about bringing a trophy home but also about nurturing her holistic well-being. Speaking about her experience as a coach for women players in their middle ages, she emphasised the importance of prioritising physical and mental health, especially for those dealing with menopause or perimenopause. “The best solution is to keep exercising,” she said.

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She explained, “In menopause, we face more issues like hormonal imbalances and mental stress. But we have to keep working out so we can sail through these issues smoothly. Moreover, our team has women of different ages– 40s, 50s, and 60s– we regularly share our experiences and keep helping each other. Instead of keeping our issues to ourselves, we open up to each other. So we feel supported.”

Suvarna Limaye shared how her mentees’ team spirit is reflected both on and off the court. It is palpable that her coaching philosophy goes beyond winning games; it encompasses empowering individuals, building resilience, and fostering inclusivity. By creating a supportive environment for athletes beyond the bounds of the court, Limaye embodies the true spirit of teamwork and camaraderie.