The bond between a father and daughter is often one of deep influence and mutual admiration, and the story of Kuhoo Garg, an IPS officer and skilled badminton player, exemplifies this relationship. Her journey has been profoundly shaped by her father, Ashok Kumar, a former Uttarakhand DGP, who not only inspired her academic aspirations but also supported her sporting ambitions. Kuhoo’s remarkable achievements include winning more than 17 medals in national and international badminton tournaments and securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 178 in the UPSC CSE 2023.
Early Life and Education
Kuhoo Garg’s athletic journey began when she was around nine or ten years old, thanks to the strong sports culture fostered by her parents. Both of her parents, particularly her father, who was highly involved in public service, encouraged her to pursue her interests in sports. Growing up in a family that valued helping others, Kuhoo developed an inherent desire to make a positive impact in society, a trait that motivated her to also excel academically.
Kuhoo’s academic journey took her to several cities due to her father’s transferable job, giving her a diverse and enriching education. She began her schooling at St. Joseph’s School in Dehradun and later moved to Delhi’s Sanskriti School, where she completed her secondary education. Kuhoo then attended SRCC (Shri Ram College of Commerce) in Delhi University, where she graduated with honors in Economics in 2018. It was during this time that she also formed lasting friendships, including with Narayani Bhatia, a fellow UPSC aspirant who later ranked 45th in the 2023 UPSC exam and is now an IAS officer in the UP cadre.
Achievements in Badminton
Kuhoo’s sporting achievements have been significant, as she has won numerous national and international badminton titles. Her dedication to badminton is evident from her impressive medal tally of over 17 national and international awards. Among her many accomplishments, she won a gold medal at the 2019 South Asian Games and a silver at the 2019 National Championship.
Her father, Ashok Kumar, proudly highlights her unique achievement: becoming the first player to clear the UPSC exam while simultaneously playing for Team India. This extraordinary feat highlights Kuhoo’s determination and resilience, balancing her athletic commitments with rigorous academic preparation.
Kuhoo trained under the guidance of renowned coach Dr. DK Sen and had the privilege of learning from Pullela Gopichand, the coach of famed badminton players like Saina Nehwal. Her ability to balance her sporting career with her academic goals reflects a strong sense of discipline and perseverance.
A Setback and a New Beginning
However, her journey was not without challenges. Kuhoo suffered a sudden injury that required surgery, forcing her to remain in bed for an entire year. During this recovery period, she turned her focus to her UPSC preparations, a decision that ultimately led to her success. Throughout this time, she received immense support from her school friend Narayani Bhatia, who also contributed to Kuhoo’s motivation and success.
Despite the challenges, Kuhoo Garg’s journey serves as an inspiring story of how determination, discipline, and support from family and friends can lead to success in both sports and academics. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and a balanced approach to career and personal aspirations.
