Ridhima Pathak stands as a beacon of inspiration in the field of sports broadcasting, embodying the perfect blend of passion, intellect and charisma. With roots firmly planted in engineering, he has carved out a niche for himself in a field that often feels worlds apart from his academic beginnings. Having graduated from the prestigious MKSSS Cummins College of Engineering for Women with a degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Ridhima initially embarked on a traditional corporate journey. His role as a marketing analyst at an American corporation demonstrated his analytical prowess and strategic thinking, but his heart yearned for the vibrant world of sports.
Driven by an insatiable passion for athletics and an innate talent for storytelling, Ridhima made a bold leap into the dynamic universe of sports journalism. Over the past decade, he has performed as a prominent sports presenter, enthralling audiences with his eloquence and infectious enthusiasm. Be it performing live from the electrifying atmosphere of the Women’s Premier League or providing insightful commentary during international cricket tournaments, Ridhima’s presence is nothing short of magnetic. His ability to connect with audiences goes beyond mere reporting; it brings to life the emotions, triumphs and challenges that define the sporting experience.
What sets Ridhima apart is not just her impressive credentials, but her unwavering commitment to empowering others. He understands that the world of sports media is full of opportunities waiting to be explored. Through her work, she actively strives to inspire young talent, especially women, and encourages them to pursue their passions fearlessly.
In addition to her broadcasting achievements, Ridhima is an advocate for inclusion in sports. She believes that diverse voices enrich the story of athletics and strives to create platforms where underrepresented stories can be told. His commitment to creating a more inclusive environment in sports media resonates deeply with viewers and aspiring journalists alike.
As you explore this interview with Ridhima, we invite you to learn not only about her professional journey, but also her thoughts on the evolving landscape of sports journalism. Join us as we explore the layers of this remarkable personality whose passion continues to inspire countless others to follow their dreams and redefine boundaries in the world of sports.
Here are some highlights from the interview:
Q. Can you share your transition journey from engineering to sports anchor? What drew you to sports broadcasting?
Ridhima: Yes, it’s quite a transition, firstly I was in marine engineering and as I didn’t want to continue that, I took a drop to get into a stream of my choice that year. I used to get various anchoring gigs and gigs in college, and I also liked my voice in an interesting way because I loved recording and listening to my voice so I could work on it. When I talk about sports, I really have to give credit to my mom for that because she is an avid cricket follower.
Since Pune is not a big city, the talent pool is very familiar to each other and one gig led to another and I remember I got a chance to manage various cricket leagues in Pune, one of which I met. Ayaz Memonhe complimented me on my voice and told me to audition for Star Sports. I was preparing for the GMAT at the time and also working for an American corporation, and one fine day I took a chance and took the plunge to figure out if I could go to gigs that would give me more time to prepare for the GMAT. I messaged the Star Sports talent hunt team and they suddenly called me the next day for an audition in Mumbai. So I took an overnight cab and reached the place where they asked me to attend a week long workshop and finalized me to anchor before and after the show in the Hockey India league. And now here we are…
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Q. How difficult is it for a sports anchor to remain impartial and control emotions while covering intense events?
Ridhima: You know my journey to love sports has been interesting because first I fell in love with the team and then with the sport or we can say with a particular player of the sport to follow and get to know the sport through him. . So when a person can’t perform, you break down a little bit, and because we’re all human, that shows a little bit on camera.
In 2019, I think I’m more in love with the team than the sport India was defeated in the semi-finals New ZealandI had tears in my eyes and I was standing near the border line. All the broadcasters went in to prepare for the show, but it took me longer to prepare for the show. After covering other sports, I feel that being in love with a sport is not only about enjoying the wins, but also about appreciating the losses and appreciating the opponents who play you well. If you see veteran broadcasters covering a certain sport, you love the game more than the team, of course there is a soft corner, but when you fall in love with the sport, you develop a mindset that you admire more. not just the team, but the game.
Q. Do sports anchors follow a specific fitness regimen to prepare for the demands of their job? If so, what does yours look like?
Ridhima: Try it! It’s a simple calculation that what you eat should be less than what you burn, if you do it that day, week or even month, that’s your easy coverage of fitness. You should meditate for mental fitness because get proper sleep of 8 hours, I feel both mental and physical fitness are more related to each other, I don’t work out to look elegant. mental health. Therefore, it is directly proportional.
Now speaking of vocal fitness, I had the opportunity to work with him Paul Crane and he used to finish a bottle of honey with warm water while commentating on the game, to calm his vocal nerves. A lot of commentators just use warm water because long tones wear out your voice and then there are some people who are blessed with beautiful vocals.
Q. What’Do you have any thoughts on India’s recent performance in the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024?
Ridhima: As an Indian cricket fan we have to be disappointed and we are certainly disappointed, we could have lifted the trophy and we all had hopes for a better run but as a sports broadcaster and sports fan, I am more of a sports lover who played well that day. you have to appreciate the opponent.
Q. Can you share some of your favorite memories or experiences during your time in broadcasting?
Ridhima: Some of my fondest memories of live broadcasting I think were during the 2019 World Cup, though not live, I was reporting digitally for the ICC, I had the opportunity to be interviewed. Virat Kohlithen captain so i got a really special interview. After that I took it Nasir Hussaininterview of
I recently hosted the athletes of the Paris Olympics and I think it has to be the most lasting memory of my sporting career so far, because I got to know many of them, shared a decent camaraderie over time and also observed their mindset very closely. represented at such a big event. So I think of some of the fondest memories Paris Olympics.
