Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Feb 22: At just 16, Angel Gabriella D’Costa is making waves in the cricketing world with her remarkable achievements. Born in Kuwait, she has created history as the first player from the country to represent Goa in state-level cricket. Her journey, marked by determination and relentless training, has set her apart as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Angel’s cricketing prowess first gained attention when she was selected as an opening bowler at the Goa State Cricket selection camp. Her talents soon earned her a spot in the Kuwait Senior Women's Cricket Team, where she made her debut in the ICC World Cup Asia Qualifiers. Her rapid progression in both domestic and international cricket highlights her exceptional skill and dedication.
In 2022, at the age of 14, Angel took a bold step towards her dream of playing for India by relocating to the country. She committed herself to an intense training regime, practicing for 4-5 hours daily under expert guidance, with a focus on strength and functional fitness. Her all-round athleticism has been evident since childhood, excelling in multiple sports.
Her journey into competitive sports began early, securing a bronze medal in Taekwondo at just five years old in the Goa State Championship. By the age of eight, she had already showcased her talent in basketball, competing in inter-school tournaments as a forward. She later earned recognition in throwball and sprinting, proving her versatility across multiple disciplines.
Angel's roots trace back to Bellman and Shirva in Udupi, and Kinnigoli in Mangaluru.
Angel’s mother, Lavina Magdalene D’Souza, shared, “Over the past three years, Angel has become incredibly competitive. She would often join her siblings and me for sports events like sprinting, cricket, and badminton. We quickly noticed how competitive she was, especially when it came to indoor games like chess. She doesn't accept defeat easily and always gives her best to win.”
Lavina continued, “We enrolled her in Taekwondo when she was five, and she went on to win a bronze medal at the state level. After moving to Kuwait, she joined her school’s basketball team, where she also excelled. At the age of 13, she played box cricket with us on a local team, and her interest in the sport grew. It caught the attention of the Kuwait national team, and they began training her. Although she played with the senior girls’ team, she couldn’t debut at 14 due to ICC regulations.”
Lavina added, “Later, we enrolled her in an integrated school in Bengaluru, where she received training from a Ranji player. She was eventually selected for the Kuwait national team and played in the Asia qualifier match in Malaysia, making her debut as a bowler. After returning, she was noticed in Bengaluru for the Goa team. At a selection camp with 50 girls, she was one of 15 chosen. She has since played T20 in Jharkhand and an ODI in Kerala, and she will also attend a high-performance camp.”
Lavina proudly shared, “Angel is the youngest of our three children, each of whom is pursuing a different path in life. Angel is the only one involved in sports. I believe in giving children the freedom to follow their passions, and I will always support her in achieving her dreams.”
Angel’s story is one of perseverance and ambition. With her unwavering dedication and remarkable sporting abilities, she continues to inspire young athletes, proving that hard work and passion can turn dreams into reality. As she continues to make her mark, Kuwait and the cricketing world watch with anticipation for what she will achieve next.