Pic:Baldev Singh
Hl: Dombivli lad to perform artistic yoga at international event
Strap:
By: Deepti Acharya
Unlike his peers who are hooked on computer games or cricket, Vishal Bhat regularly practices yoga that has given him an opportunity to perform at a mega event in Mumbai.
Bhat, 13, a resident of Dombivli is selected for the Yoga World Cup 2010 to be held at Andheri, Mumbai from January 8 to 10, 2010.
Vishal has been practicing yoga since last four years under the guidance of yoga trainer Pravin Bandkar of Suhasini Beauty Health and Fitness Centre in Dombivali. He was selected for the Yoga World Cup after being tested and winning in state and national level event for the same.
He will be participating in 'artistic yoga' and shall perform 12 advanced yoga positions. About his impending performance, Vishal said, "Artistic yoga is performing yoga on the beats of soothing instrumental fusion music played in the background and I shall swiftly step in from one position to other." He daily practices yoga for three hours at the centre.
In early 2005, Vishal joined a two-month summer camp where he was first introduced to yoga and he took a liking to it. He completed a basic course in yoga and had studied a six-month course for advanced yoga.
Vishal till now has received more than 50 prizes for his performances at various competitions and events. "Yoga keeps me fit and fine. The 'Tratak Pranyam' has improved my concentration power which has been very beneficial to me. It has helped me grow as an individual," Vishal said.
Vishal a class IX student of Chandrakant Patkar Vidyalaya, Dombivli has struck a balance between yoga and academics and scores 90% in school. Inspired from Vishal, few of his friends and his father Venkatesh a senior officer in financial institute, too practice yoga.
Vishal's mother Shobha who works with an insurance company said, "I'm very proud that my son is involved in a meaningful lifestyle unlike many others who are hooked on television or computers."
Later Vishal plans to pursue a doctorate in yoga studies. He remains confident about his artistic yoga performance in the mega event earlier next year.

a_deepti@dnaindia.net