Riya Bhatia's Comeback: From Surgery to Asian Games

Indian tennis player Riya Bhatia is making a determined comeback following a significant shoulder injury and surgery. The 28-year-old experienced persistent pain that led to a tear in her shoulder, necessitating robotic surgery. Following the procedure, she faced a painful rehabilitation process, including audible snaps when reactivating her shoulder. Bhatia has adopted a highly disciplined approach to her recovery, with multiple daily training sessions.

She expressed gratitude towards Col. Ranbir Chauhan for gym access, Roundglass Academy, and coach Aditya Sachdeva for their support. Indian Oil has been instrumental in covering the high costs of her robotic surgery and providing medical assistance. Coach Sachdeva has assembled a dedicated medical team, including physio Dr. Deeksha Gautam, to facilitate her swift return to form.

Bhatia, who last competed in the 2018 Asiad, is now fully focused on preparing for the upcoming Asian Games. She has maintained her doubles rank of 177 using a protected ranking, which will allow her entry into WTA events. She has also been drawing inspiration from experienced players like Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, who have overcome their own career challenges.

Seeking inner strength, Bhatia practices Sudarshan Kriya and meditation, finding them vital for maintaining mental stability during this demanding period. She aims to inspire other athletes by sharing her experience, emphasizing the dedication required at the highest level of sport. Bhatia believes her best performances are yet to come.