Siliguri, December 2: Jiya Bhadri of Uttarakhand must have woken up from the right side of her bed this morning. Born on this day in 2005, her parents back at home in Dehra Dun could not have done much expect wishing her well, putting off any intended celebration until her return. Her coach Prince Vipon, too, called her to wish her many happy returns of the day.

“Had been I home, my parents would have celebrated my birthday and I would have invited my school friends for a bash at home. That can’t happen now,” she said. 

But her ‘loss’ was made up more than nicely when the 11-year-old got her birthday gift first when she and her teammates beat Telangana, a much fancied team, 3-0 in the group match. Then in the evening when her photo and name flashed on the giant screen with wishes from TTFI and organisers, it brought cheers from the packed crowd at the SMC Indoor Stadium, a second surprise. Naturally, the other team members followed suit to shake hands with her, completely bowling over the fifth class student of Summer Valley School.  

But the blushing girl’s biggest surprise was waiting at the team hotel where other members had ordered a cake which she cut and shared! 

For Jiya, who is participating in her first nationals, this birthday would remain etched in her memory. “I have had so many surprises on my 11th birthday. So, it is very special for me,” said the girl who took to the sport just one and a half years ago!