If I had to pinpoint one thing outside of flying that shaped me into the pilot I am today, it’s sports. Not just as a hobby, not just for fitness—but as a way of life. 

I didn’t know it back then, but every match I played, every loss I endured, and every sprint I pushed through was preparing me for the cockpit. The sweat, the pain, the discipline—it all built something inside me that textbooks never could. It built reflexes, resilience, quick thinking, and endurance—everything a pilot needs at 35,000 feet. 

But let me take you back to where it all started. 

Tennis : Where I Learned to React Without Hesitation 

I learned a lot from the game of tennis, and I used to enjoy it immensely. Sometimes it was about hitting forehands, other times backhands, but the key was the attitude to continue until the last point to win the match. Tennis taught me a lot about discipline and the mindset to win. Playing doubles also helped me develop teamwork and collaboration skills. Often, my partners would change, and I learned how to adapt and play with different team members, which provided me with valuable experiences. 

Squash : Where I Learned to Make Quick Decisions 

Squash is now my favorite game. It develops agility and mental resilience. I used to play a lot with my friend Captain Gaurav Mehta, who is an amazing player. We had very competitive matches, and both of us had a burning desire to win until the very last point. I believe you need to have that same burning desire to win the match, and you must start taking action quickly. You have to prepare your mind in such a way that you can make decisions on the fly, as the ball comes at you very quickly, and you need to act and react accordingly. 

Endurance: The Skill No One Talks About 

One of the common traits you will find in aspiring pilots is that they love sports. I have seen thousands of aspiring pilots, and about 95% of them play sports or have represented their schools in various activities. I believe that sports teach endurance, which is essential for coping with the stresses of flying. Engaging in sports helps build the physical and mental resilience needed to handle one of the most demanding jobs, which is being a pilot. 

Teamwork: The Hidden Strength of Every Pilot 

Pilots have to interact with various stakeholders, including dispatchers, other pilots, cabin crew, engineers, ground staff, and many more. Sports teach you how to work in a team, similar to playing doubles or being part of an eleven-player team. These experiences help you manage responsibilities, make quick decisions, and develop a collaborative spirit. This teamwork is essential because when we fly from point A to point B, it requires a strong sense of teamwork and coordination. 

Mental Resilience: The Most Important Lesson of All  

Sometimes you lose in a match, and sometimes you win. You might win all the league matches but lose in the final, just like what happens in a pilot's journey. Throughout these ups and downs, you need to be resilient and perseverant. The one who can navigate these challenges will emerge as the winner. Sports teach you mental resilience. I remember during my college days, we lost two out of five matches, but we barely managed to reach the semi-finals. Then, in the semi-finals, we won the final. I still remember how our teammates carried me on their shoulders around the entire college. Those moments build character. 

Final Thoughts: Why Every Pilot Should Play Sports 

Sports are not just about physical activity; they also teach us how to manage and regulate our emotions, work in stressful situations, and make quick decisions. Engaging in sports helps develop mental resilience and gives us the attitude to see things through. Sports provide a lot of valuable lessons, and I believe that aspiring pilots should definitely get involved in sports.