Tanisha Crasto's bestie to be at Paris Olympics to keep her pact

When Tanisha Crasto, the lone Goan in the 117-strong Indian Olympics contingent to Paris, takes to the badminton court on Saturday, July 27, cheering her from the stands will be her family and friends. Yes, you read that right - friends - for flying into Paris from London is Tanisha's childhood bestie Sydelle Varella to support her.

 A FRIENDSHIP PACT

"Ever since Tanisha started playing badminton as a child, her goal has always been to play in the Olympics. So, when we were younger Tanisha would always say, 'I want you to come see me play at the Olympics'. It was like our own little pact," says Sydelle, who will be keeping her part of the pact on Saturday.

Tanisha and Sydelle, both born of Goan parents, met in school in Dubai where their friendship blossomed. Though a few years later, Sydelle and her family shifted to the United Kingdom and they are currently many miles apart, they have kept in touch as the bond they shared remained strong.

And so, the pact that the girls had made, when they were younger, that Sydelle would watch Tanisha play from the Olympic stands is being fulfilled today.

Tanisha is super-duper excited to have her favourite people be with her cheering for the match. "I'm very excited to have Sydelle come to Paris. She has been my childhood friend, and when I met her in the UK a few months ago, she was excited to attend. She will be sitting alongside my parents and I couldn't have asked for more," smiles Tanisha, who will be representing India at the Paris Olympics along with her senior women's doubles partner Ashwini Ponnappa.

A DREAM COME TRUE

From playing on the school grounds to watching Tanisha advance in the badminton career, to representing India internationally, Simon Varella, Sydelle’s father says, “Tanisha kept in touch with my daughter and whenever Tanisha was down in the UK, the two would meet. Sydelle is leaving for Paris tomorrow along with my son Sinclair, and will return on Monday.”

The 21-year-olds have taken different paths in terms of careers. Tanisha took to sports and Sydelle has gone into medicine. Despite Sydelle joining an internship at a pharma company as part of her curriculum, she decided to take time off for her bestie.

“When Tanisha told me she qualified for the Olympics, I knew I had to be there to support her at this significant milestone. Although, I was determined to attend the Paris Olympics, I was uncertain if I could take leave since I just started my internship this month. Thankfully, I got my leave approved a few days ago,” she said, in between packing her bags for Paris.

A FUN TRIP TO PARIS

You’ve not been to Paris, if you haven’t tasted croissants, hot chocolate or seen the Eiffel tower – and this is what Tanisha has planned to do with her family and friends who have travelled miles to see her. “I’m super excited to represent India at such a high level and it feels great to be here,” says Tanisha, who landed in Paris a few days ago.

"Since my parents and my friends are here in Paris, I plan to take them around to see the place. I’ve been to Paris a couple of times before and since it's their first time, I’d love to take them to check out a few places. I also plan to see the Eiffel tower, click some amazing photos to save as memories,” says the gentle hearted athlete, who hopes to try out some croissants and hot chocolate.

For Sydelle, since her trip is a short one, all she plans is to watch Tanisha play. “My main intention is to watch Tanisha play. Additionally, I hope to catch up with her family, whom I haven't seen in six years.”

With Tanisha already set to win, her family and friends are on their way to their respective stands to see their daughter and friend do well. Here, Goa is rooting for you too, Tanisha.