Break Point – Tennis During A Global Pandemic

TISB Grade 10 student, Saksham, has written ‘Break Point – Tennis During A Global Pandemic’, a book that has made it to #1 bestseller position in its category on Amazon. The book, published on the 25th of September, explores how professional athletes cope with physical and mental setbacks, sharing lessons with others. The proceeds from the book goes to the ‘Indian Wheelchair Tennis Tour’.

In March, when nation-wide lockdown were announced and professional sports events were cancelled, I was feeling depressed and thinking of giving up on my dreams of being a tennis player. Speaking to my coaches and tens of international athletes and journalists, I learned that managing crises is part and parcel of the life of a sports person – Saksham, Grade 10.

‘Break Point – Tennis During A Global Pandemic’ gives an insight to how athletes and the people around them deals with unplanned disruptions such as injuries, accidents and illnesses. Saksham wrote the book aiming to share the lessons learnt with others, especially young athletes, who are feeling distraught due to the current pandemic and the pursuing global crisis. “I believe thousands of others like me can benefit from reading the stories I researched famous comebacks in sports”, explains Saksham.

Although the book is mainly about tennis, the book is aimed at anyone who is looking for some inspiration and hope in their effort to cope with the present global crisis that is affecting so many people personally. “Difficult times bring out the best in people and new heroes emerge from troubled times bringing hope to the world around them. The book provides a framework of how one can prepare and respond during uncertain times”, says Saksham. 

There is no telling when the global pandemic will end, or what the world will look like in the near future. But athletes like Saksham continue and do their best to be ready for when that day comes. In the meantime Saksham is keeping spirits high and follow the framework that is outlined in his book. Because of his research while writing the book, Saksham has found at least some peace during these times, and as a token of his appreciation he is donating the proceeds from the sale of the book to the ‘Indian Wheelchair Tennis Tour’. “If we think things are difficult for us, they are far more difficult for Paralympic athletes who come out and perform every day”, says Saksham. 

Since the release, the book has reached the #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon and has received appreciation from champion athletes like Rohan Bopanna, Zeeshan Ali, Vishal Uppal and Purav Raja. Media outlets like The Times of India and The Hindu have reviewed the book and called it a “must-read for young athletes”.

The book is available worldwide as E-book (Rs.149) and Paperback (Rs.199) formats on Amazon and Flipkart.