AIMING FOR THE STARS

Anishra Odayar is set to ascend new peaks with degrees in business and law
Allaam Ousman profiles the young all-rounder and her numerous achievements

Like many young individuals, Anishra Odayar dreamed of representing Sri Lanka at the Olympics when she first ventured into sports. But she was no ordinary girl. Gifted with exceptional talent and inheriting a distinguished family legacy spanning generations, she shone brightly in sports such as athletics, shooting, motor racing, rugby and even karate.

A scion of the Odayar clan, Anishra emerged as a shooting star, achieving the distinction of becoming the youngest to represent her country in the sport at the age of 13. She proudly recalls: “I had the honour of representing Sri Lanka on two occasions, earning Sri Lanka Schools Shooting Sports Association colours in both air pistol and rifle shooting in consecutive years.”

Odayar achieved the pinnacle in 2014 during an international competition in Poland in the air rifle event. And although she was selected for another tournament in Germany, Odayar had to prioritise education over sports.

“I received an invitation to undergo Olympic training but it coincided with my O-Level year in 2015, ultimately preventing my participation in the 2016 Summer Olympics,” she laments with a hint of regret.

Her Olympic aspirations suffered a setback when she sustained a knee injury: “The injury, involving the wearing out of cartilage in my knee and a subsequent shift in my kneecap, posed a significant challenge.”

Opting for physiotherapy, Odayar’s goal shifted to dedicating herself to rehabilitation and restoring her physical wellbeing. “While I’m no longer actively competing, my passion for shooting persists, and I contribute to the sport by imparting my knowledge and skills through training sessions – notably at Nalanda College,” she explains.

Anishra Zain Odayar left an indelible mark on Stafford International School at the age of 14 when she became the youngest female athlete to be honoured with the title of ‘overall best athlete of the year,’ excelling in the 100 and 200 metres, as well as long jump events.

Her engagement in shooting traces back to her grandfather Uvais Odayar, an avid hunter. “My father also developed an interest in shooting and subsequently passed on his knowledge to our family,” she explains.

Anishra’s involvement in athletics can be attributed to her mother, who played a pivo­tal role in fostering her interest in various sports.

Her inclination toward unconventional activities like shooting, riding, karate, rugby and boxing – especially for a girl in Sri Lanka – stems from early exposure within the family. Odayar remarks: “My father and brother played pivotal roles in shaping my interests. From a young age, they encouraged me to participate actively without any quarter being asked or given.”

Proud of her sporting pedigree, Anishra draws inspiration from her parents, both of whom have remarkable shooting achievements.

Her father Reza earned the accolade of being the fastest shooter at the national level while her mother Bonita won the women’s national pistol shooting title as a civilian. And Anishra’s brother Avishka represented Sri Lanka in International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) shooting at the age of nine, becoming the youngest to achieve this feat.

Born and raised in Colombo, Odayar’s educational journey began at Stafford International School before transitioning to Colombo International School (CIS).

She earned an international business degree with honours from the University of Central Lancashire and simultaneously pursued a law degree (LLB) at the University of London. “While commonly referred to as a double degree, this is distinctive in that they originate from two universities,” she clarifies.

Forced to change her goals when her Olympic dreams were dashed, Anishra ventured into entrepreneurial endeavours, revealing that “I am in the process of relaunching my online clothing business. The focus will be on manufacturing and designing with an emphasis on modest fa­shion.”

This entrepreneurial journey aligns with Odayar’s aspirations to establish her own brand Bell 4.

She is the Assistant Manager of Business Development and Legal Counsel at Sprout. Despite the demanding nature of her ongoing professional responsibilities, Odayar maintains her passion for sports, balancing her roles as an entrepreneur and a sports enthusiast.

Offering advice to the youth, 22-year-old Anishra emphasises the importance of having specific objectives in mind when pursuing life goals and ambitions.

“My message to young people centres on the importance of consistency over constant motivation. While motivation can fluctuate, maintaining consistent effort is key to achieving long-term success,” she stresses.

Additionally, she advocates for a strong emphasis on education and staying informed about global affairs: “Education is not simply about being a bookworm; it’s about applying knowledge and becoming a well-rounded leader.”