Ever since Annu developed a liking for soccer, she always wanted to experience what it feels to be on the pitch in the thick of action. Though her dreams of taking the field never came true, she did manage to play soccer-but on table instead of the usual ground.

And within two years, she managed to do what her peers had never imagined- play in international tournaments and win trophies. She overcame all odds and secured her first title in the form of a gold medal in the All India Open Table Soccer Championship held in Ambala from May 16 to 18, 2008.

"That first gold medal really motivated me to do well and I tried hard to improve my game," said the student of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 19, Chandigarh.

Just three months later, she made her international debut in the VIFA Asia Cup held in Kuala Lumpur from July 18 to 21.

Then, in the month of October, she had the support of the local crowd as she rallied to win gold in the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial National Table Soccer Championship in Chandigarh. She ended the year on a high note by earning a gold medal in the Indo - Nepal International Table Soccer Championship held from December 28 to 30 in Birat Nagar, Nepal.

Continuing with her fine form, 2009 turned out to be the breakthrough year for her as she won medals in almost all the tournaments that she took part in. "2009 was a good year for me. I won many medals but it made me determined to go for more," she said. Returning back to the championship where she had made her debut, she defended her title with ease. Looking good as ever, she also successfully defended her title in the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial National Table Soccer Championship held in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh from August 7 to 9.

... contd.