It’s all about the Work-Life-Sport balance

Being the Number 2 fencer in all of India, for Deepak Saini from Data & Analytics, Gurugram, wellbeing is all about finding the right work-life-sport balance. Finding the right balance has definitely paid off as he has recently taken home the silver medal at the India Masters National Championship.

Deepak joined us in 2017 and believes that each day he has been able to give more than 100% at work, due to his physical and mental wellbeing. The flexibility he has received from his Line Manager, team and colleagues to practise and give his all at work has been critical to his success.

Deepak began to practice fencing at 10 years old. He soon became India’s number one player in 2000 by winning 3 gold medals and the “best fencer” award at a national level. After taking a brief pause from the sport to complete his engineering degree from Thapar University, he picked up where he left off in 2005 and won numerous accolades at the national level in various team events while pursuing his professional journey. In 2013, he became India’s No.3 Player and represented India in the fencing world cup in 2014.

Striking a balance between work and practice

Deepak feels that NatWest really stands out when it comes to giving him the support he needs to pursue his passion:

“I have been fortunate to have worked in organisations that support both personal and professional growth. My experience at NatWest has been extremely nurturing. The space NatWest gives to strike a balance between work and hobbies is unique and exemplary. Before National Championship dates were published, I used to practise on weekends and first thing in the morning before 8 am whenever I was working from home.

After getting to know the dates of the National Championship I finished my 8 working days in first 2 weeks, then continued my morning practice and had additional evening practice at the stadium.”

Pursuing your passion

Deepak feels that it was the people around him that really drove him to pursue his passion:

“To be able to pursue a passion in sports requires not only self-discipline but also support from your surroundings. It is only with the 360 degrees help and motivation that I received from my manager, team members and colleagues that I could make this dream into a reality. My line manager encouraged me to go ahead with my practice and supported me in working from home. He empowered me to be able to pursue serious practicing hours alongside meeting my work delivery targets. My team stood with me in this time of need and gave their unwavering support. Because of them I could focus and concentrate on refining my skills further.”

Balancing passion with work

“Fencing is my first love. I have been engaged in this sport since my early years, so much so that it is very much a part of my DNA. My first taste of success and victory came from Fencing and I am always eager to stay close to the sport in whatever way possible, whether it is as coaching to fresh talent, improving vital administrative platforms for the sport or as a participant. I was very fortunate that the window opened for me to again be on the piste again and feel that adrenalin rush. When I shared that I got selected to participate in master national championship my colleagues, my line manager and even his line manager not only congratulated me but also wanted to know more about my fencing journey. That pushed me further to pursue my passion. Because of them, I worked hard even in the extreme 45-degree heat of the summer, as I wanted to give my best during national games.”