16-year-old Iyanah Daruwalla, residing in Mumbai’s Cusrow Baug, did the community proud, by winning the Runners-Up Women’s Team Trophy in the recently held ‘ATF (Asian Throwball Federation) Throwball Championship Malaysia Independent- 2024’, which was held at Metropolitan Batu Park, Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, last month.

Currently pursuing her first year (FYJC) from HR College of Commerce and Economics, Iyanah was always naturally inclined towards sports since childhood. She discovered her love for throwball early on, and went on to represent her school, J B Petit, in various interschool tournaments, alongside participating in other sports events organised by the Cusrow Baug (CBUSWL), the Mumbai Junior Marathons, etc. Last year, she secured a gold medal in the under-16 category, at the 38^th Jal D Pardiwala Annual Athletic Meet (All Parsees Sports) alongside being awarded ‘Fastest Girl of the Meet’, and also snapped up a silver medal in Long Jump and a bronze medal in Discus Throw!

Speaking with Parsi Times, Iyanah shares, “It was a moment of great pride to be selected to represent India and getting the opportunity to proudly wear the jersey with our country’s name and flag. It felt like not just a personal achievement, but one for our Parsi community too.  None of this would be possible without the continuous support and encouragement from my parents (Parveez and Merzi Daruwalla), my sister, friends, and coaches. My thirst to excel always drives me and I hope to encourage my peers to participate more in events as this truly helps build confidence to play at international levels.”

In addition to sports, Iyanah is also inclined towards fashion and is passionate about music. Expressing gratitude to the WZO Trust Funds for their timely support, she adds, “Thank you WZO Trust Funds for your generosity, support and encouragement in my journey to becoming an International professional throwball player, representing India.”

 

Iyanah has also been selected for the National Throwball Championship, where she will represent Maharashtra, in the tournament to be held in December 2024, in Madhya Pradesh. Here’s wishing her the very best!