Stephy, husband Eudrick Pereira and baby

Even childbirth can’t get in the way of Stephy Nixon’s love for basketball

Dribbling her way to success

It was this impressive height that gave Stephy Nixon the initial advantage to enter a domain not many women would think of even in their wildest dreams — basketball. Stephy is a regular in the Indian national women’s team and is back with the team since delivering her first child. Bouncing back to the game of basketball is not a tall order for the pretty player. Stephy started young, being initiated into the game of basketball when she was in class seven. While doing her schooling at M.A.M.H.S.S., Koratty, a towering Stephy used to be active in sports. Two teachers noticed her impressive height and decided to introduce Stephy to the world of basketball.

Stephy was lucky enough as she received support from her family as well to pursue basketball and then she moved to a state Sports Council programme. Years of grueling practice made her fall in love with the sports, and she could continue it after her marriage with her marriage to Eudrick Pereira, a basketball player who captains the Customs & Central Excise team and who has represented India.

Eudrick has been a constant support to his wife, and he could well understand the pride and sacrifices associated with wearing the Indian colors. During her pregnancy, Stephy had gained weight, and it was her husband who used to formulate diets for her and always motivated her to return to court. Stephy, who works for the KSEB, which is the best club team in the state, also names her coach Aji Jacob and her fellow KSEB players for supporting her in her game.

“I am very fortunate to have the support of not only my parents but also my husband and his family who gave me the encouragement and push to get back on the court just months after my delivery,” that’s not all, Stephy reveals, “Normally women are advised to take proper rest for three months but I would have taken rest for maybe 56 days after my delivery. I started practicing my yoga initially then moved on to ball juggling.” Her baby is 11 months old now and Stephy hopes her return to the game so soon would be an inspiration to many other players and women in general. “I do not want women to think that their life should be on hold after the birth of a child. Nor should the additional weight gain be a cause of concern. If I can be an inspiration for any one person that would be my biggest happiness,” she states.

Stephy Nixon Is my Aunty. She is a Indian basketball Player. She is a Great Lap Shouter

For a player passionate about her game, she knows she belongs to a country that considers cricket to be a religion and is also partial to football. Stephy agrees not many people are aware of the game of basketball or its rules and regulations. “In countries like America, basketball is hugely popular but in India, children find cricket fascinating.” She smiles and says, “Most of the people in my native place know me as a basketball player but the majority do not know how I play the game.” But Stephy is finding positive changes as far as awareness of the game goes. “We have basketball leagues happening now and the current group of millennials are aware of the game so the scenario looks bright,” she says.

Beyond wins and losses, we should remember such human endeavors that go a long way to make a positive statement about the spirit of sportsmanship. Stephy hopes her story inspires others to take up basketball and dedicate their lives to the game even after all the hurdles they face in life.

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