Jessica proves her mark in athletics, cricket

Anil Datt

Ludhiana, June 26

Jessica Dua, a student of DAV Public School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, has proved her mettle in the field of athletics and cricket. Jessica has been following her schoolmate Harshika Dhammi, who had already made her presence felt in the two disciplines.

A student of Class VIII, Jessica took up athletics in Class III. She started practicing in 200-metre flat race and 4x100 metre relay race. She made her mark among medal winners in the school annual sports day, securing silver medal in these events.

Next year, Jessica gave an improved performance and clinched a gold in the 4x100 metre relay race at the District Athletics Tournament. She also bagged a bronze in the 200-metre flat race.

Jessica began her coaching under the guidance of her school cricket coach, Amandeep Singh, two years ago. She impressed her coach with her bowling skills and continued taking part in track events.

In 2018, she secured bronze medal in the 200-metre race in the zonal athletics meet, organised by the Punjab Education Department, besides being selected as a fast bowler during the trials conducted by the Ludhiana District Cricket Association for girls for the U-17 cricket team. Jessica is the second cricketer after Harshika from the school to be selected.

Jessica also attended the selection trials for the district team held by the Education Department, in which she got selected for the state championship held at Bathinda in May. She impressed the national selectors and was rewarded by getting recognised among players, who were shortlisted to attend the national camp, also held at Bathinda.

Jessica has been working hard, attending her practice sessions for over four hours daily to be ready for the upcoming sports session.

Principal Jaswinder Kaur Sidhu lauded Jessica for bringing fame to the school. She also appreciated Amandeep Singh for his guidance and wished them success in future competitions.

Achievements

• Gold medal in 4x100 metre relay race at the District Athletics Tournament. 
• Bronze in the 200-metre flat race
• In 2018, she secured bronze medal in the 200-metre race in the zonal athletics meet, organised by the Punjab Education Department
• Selected as a fast bowler during the trials conducted by the Ludhiana District Cricket Association for girls for the U-17 cricket team. Jessica is the second cricketer after Harshika from the school to be selected.
• Jessica also attended the selection trials for the district team held by the Education Department, in which she got selected for the state  championship, which was held in Bathinda in May