Indian Women’s Cricket All-Rounder Sneh Rana Speaks at the International Yoga Festival
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MUNI KI RETI: At the GMVN International Yoga Festival, Indian women’s cricket all-rounder Sneh Rana extended her heartfelt support to the festival and engaged in a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation drawing on her past and present experiences. The interview was conducted by the Corporation’s Managing Director, Prateek Jain, and covered her cricketing journey, her relationship with yoga, the spirit of teamwork, and her inspiring message to the youth of Uttarakhand.
From the Streets of Uttarakhand to the Indian National Team
Q: What would you like to say about your journey — from your school days to becoming a member of the Indian national team?
Sneh Rana: During my school days, much like any ordinary person, I played cricket in the streets and local neighbourhoods. When my parents noticed my growing passion for the sport, they arranged for me to begin formal training at the Dehradun Cricket Academy at the age of nine. My success is the result of a combination of my family’s unwavering support and my own hard work.
Q: What would you like to say regarding the support you received from your parents?
Sneh Rana: Despite the scarcity of resources in our village, and seeing my genuine interest in sports, I received the complete and unconditional support of my family. I consider myself incredibly fortunate that, thanks to their efforts, I have today become an all-rounder for the Indian women’s cricket team. It is truly a privilege, and I take great pride in having been born into such a supportive family.
Yoga as the Foundation of Discipline and Recovery
Q: As a special guest at this Yoga Festival, we would love to hear your thoughts on the practice of yoga.
Sneh Rana: Yoga serves as the very foundation of discipline in life. In 2016, I suffered an injury that forced me to stay away from cricket for a full year. It was undoubtedly a difficult period, but the practice of yoga and Pranayama (breathing exercises) provided immense assistance and played a crucial role in my recovery.
Q: Do you still practice yoga today?
Sneh Rana: Yes, my daily routine continues to include both meditation and the practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations).
On the Field: Composure, Rebellion, and the Blue Jersey
Q: On the field, do you prefer to maintain a calm demeanour or adopt a more aggressive, ‘rebellious’ approach?
Sneh Rana: On the field, I prefer to play with composure and in the true spirit of sportsmanship; however, to secure a victory for the team, a rebellious streak is also essential. It is this fighting instinct — this habit of battling it out — that makes me a ‘rebel.’ This nickname was given to me by a close friend, and I’ve even had it tattooed on my body.
Q: Would you like to share your thoughts on the sport itself?
Sneh Rana: The journey in sports is full of ups and downs; it took me five years just to cement my place in the squad. The game demands immense hard work and discipline. That is precisely why, today, wearing the ‘Blue Jersey’ and representing the national tricolour as a member of the Indian cricket team fills me with such immense pride.
Q: How did it feel to win the World Cup?
Sneh Rana: We set out to play, and through the collective hard work and sacrifices of the entire team, we managed to win the World Cup. Could there possibly be a greater joy than that?
Q: Would you like to say something about the team’s theme song?
Sneh Rana: The team first conceived the idea for a theme song four years ago, and subsequently, we worked hard to turn that vision into a triumphant reality.
Teamwork, the Dressing Room, and Mental Wellbeing
Q: Could you tell us about the team dynamics — specifically, what goes on inside the dressing room?
Sneh Rana: There is immense strength in unity, and we have personally experienced how our collective teamwork proved instrumental in achieving success. We strive to maintain a cheerful and positive atmosphere within the dressing room, and everyone makes a concerted effort to ensure that no player falls victim to mental stress or depression.
Q: How do you maintain your mental balance?
Sneh Rana: A player must always remain fully dedicated to their craft. Practice is a continuous, ongoing process; it is during these sessions that our coaches provide us with technical guidance and refine our skills.
Q: What aspects of the game do you enjoy the most?
Sneh Rana: My mindset is always focused on both bowling and batting. I step onto the field with a singular objective: to secure a victory for the team by delivering a superior performance.
The Evolution of the Game and a Message to Uttarakhand
Q: Could you share your observations regarding the evolution of the sport?
Sneh Rana: Today, there is absolutely no dearth of resources or talent in the sport. We now have access to excellent grounds and state-of-the-art stadiums. Ideally, sports should become an integral part of our daily lives — not merely an extraordinary event, but a regular, everyday activity. In the past, however, we certainly went through a phase characterised by significant scarcity and limited resources.
Q: What message would you like to convey regarding the promotion of sports?
Sneh Rana: I would like to make a humble appeal to all parents across Uttarakhand: please give your children the opportunity to engage in sports. Provide them with opportunities to play in accordance with their specific interests and aptitudes. Instead of treating sports merely as an ‘extra-curricular’ activity, make it an integral and essential part of their lives.
Q: Would you like to share a closing message?
Sneh Rana: The people of Uttarakhand are brave, strong, and hardworking. Their goal is to achieve whatever they set their minds to; they simply need to align themselves with their life’s true purpose. With determination and high spirits, success is bound to take flight.
Responding to questions from yoga practitioners attending the festival, Sneh Rana remarked that during the off-season, the team works even harder to enhance physical fitness and strives to practice every single day. She urged everyone to stay happy, healthy, and cheerful by cultivating a positive mindset, and to always do what feels right for them personally.
On this occasion, Managing Director Prateek Jain honoured Sneh Rana by presenting her with a memento on behalf of the GMVN International Yoga Festival.
About Sneh Rana
Sneh Rana is an Indian women’s cricket all-rounder from Uttarakhand who represents India at the international level. Known for her fighting spirit both with the bat and the ball, she is a proud member of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and a World Cup winner. Her journey — from playing in the streets of her hometown to donning the Blue Jersey — is an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
About GMVN International Yoga Festival
Organised by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), the International Yoga Festival is one of the world’s premier yoga gatherings, held annually in Rishikesh — the Yoga Capital of the World. The festival brings together masters, scholars, practitioners and students from across India and the globe in the sacred embrace of the Himalayas and the River Ganga.
