The sporty score in academics too

NAGPUR: Sportspersons also emerged at the top and joined the league with other students who excelled academically. They managed to switch efficiently between academics and sports. The 25 extra marks they gained helped send their percentages northwards.
Somalwar Ramdaspeth School's Soham Dakhole, who had participated in a state-level diving competition, scored 94.27%.
Soham told TOI that he managed his schedule effectively. "Following a timetable is very effective. Time management is a boon; if you plan your daily activities then you will never run short of time," he said.
He studied three to four hours daily and devoted two hours for his diving practice. Aiming high enough to touch the skies, Soham plans to become a defence pilot. He is fascinated by the idea of defence and dreams of becoming an air force pilot.
Himani Baxy seems to be the lead character straight out of 'Bend It Like Beckham' because of her passion for playing football. She has represented DSO at the state and district level. She is a student of St Ursula High school and scored a whopping 96%. A multifaceted personality, Himani informed that being attentive in class is enough to clear all concepts. "One need not join coaching classes for strengthening basic fundamentals. School teachers are talented and guide you well."
Being from a family of doctors, she also aims to pursue medicine as a career option and is very enthusiastic about the research field.
Simantini Hucche, an avid chess player, scored 96.36%. She is also a student of Somalwar Ramdaspeth School. Simantini played a national-level chess tournament in which here team won a bronze medal. She told TOI, "Studies was never a load. My parents always supported me."
Simantini informed that chess has always fascinated her and she started playing the game at the tender age of nine.
Her dream is to crack IIT exam with a good rank and pursue engineering as a career option. "Having faith in one's capabilities is very necessary. Students should always visualize what they want to become, this is an excellent motivation technique," she added.
Prateek Khanzode, a student of Somalwar Nikalas branch, scored 89.63%. He had participated in the state-level chess tournament organized by DSO. During the entire academic year he maintained a balance between studies and extra-curricular activities.
He informed TOI that he played chess two hours daily and studied four to five hours regularly. He did not attend any tuition classes and managed his own schedule. Prateek said, "Students should decide how much time to spare for each activity. Planning your day helps to save time. Students should not lose their focus and give undivided attention towards all subjects."