Expectations are very much there as people expect more, which is a natural thing. But I always enjoy my sport and try my best to keep off the pressure and that’s the way I go about things. The unconditional and positive support and encouragement that Chairman, Mr Shrinivas V Dempo has always on offer through his kind and encouraging words has been the real motivation that keeps me going, says Natasha Palha in a tete-a-tete with Sudhakar Shanbhag

Q. How do you rate yourself as a Dempo Goodwill Brand Ambassador?
A. I think I have a responsibility towards myself and the Dempos , who have chosen me as the beneficiary of the Goodwill Ambassador scheme. And, I am trying my best to honour that responsibility and the commitment that comes along with it by putting the best foot forward to ensure that the Dempo flag keeps flying high. I can’t rate myself but with the achievements accomplished so far and the fact that I  had a good start to the year has kept me optimistic of winning more titles.
Q. Narrate your experience as the Dempo flag-bearer in tennis.
A. Having earned the Dempo brand through the Goodwill Ambassador scheme has made me a recognised figure in Goan tennis. I have been striving hard to keep the good work going and it feels great when people recognise and acknowledge you as a Dempo Ambassador. Even my friends, teachers, my ex-school and college pour in the admiration. That’s a nice feeling to savour as a flag-bearer of Dempos in tennis. 
Q. Has the title of being an ambassador of a Goan corporate giant in Dempos fuelled your aspirations of carving a niche in tennis?
A. Yes definitely. That’s how I could fulfil my ambitions in the sport of tennis. But for the mighty support of Mr Shrinivas V Dempo, Chairman, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today as a player. It was possible only to rise-up to the occasion after my appointment as the Dempo Goodwill Ambassador. I am motivated by that tag.
Q. Is the weight of expectations too compelling on your young shoulders?
A. Expectations are very much there as people expect more, which is a natural thing. But I always enjoy my sport and try my best to keep off the pressure and that’s the way I go about things. That has helped me. My parents, friends, coaches in Mumbai (Kedar Tembe), Delhi (Aditya Sachdeva), have always been there to support me and not to mention the unconditional and positive support and encouragement, that Mr Dempo has always on offer through his kind and encouraging words; that has been the real motivation that has kept me going.
Q. Kindly explain the changes in motivational levels you have undergone post your appointment as Dempo Goodwill Ambassador?
A. I have been more focused than ever before. I have managed to stay positive at various events I have participated and it would not be wrong to say that Mr Dempo’s overwhelming support has been the real blessing that I needed to enhance my career in tennis.
Q. Has there been a perception change in your performance as a Dempo Ambassador?
A. As the Dempo Ambassador, I have become more and more confident in the two years that I have been performing as the Dempo Goodwill Ambassador. The 2009 season was better exposure-wise as I got to play World No 1 Irina Khromacheva of Russia in the U-18. The biggest positive as far as perception change was the fact that I got rid of the awe when I played higher ranked players. The fact that I played against girls in the top 150 gave me all the confidence and courage to test myself. That was possible when I played at the Australian Open qualifiers for the juniors and now my attitude towards tennis is altogether different.
Q. Are you happy the way you have been performing over the last one season?
A. As I said, the going has been good and with the last season being spent more on gaining international exposure and playing against higher rated players, the idea was to prepare for the new season with a positive mindset. I have plans to win more titles and break into the top 100 at the ITF U-18 level and with a single-minded determination I am looking to emerge as an improved player now. The start for the year 2010 has been good and I would ideally love to cash upon it and continue the momentum progressively.
Q. Has the Dempo scheme to scout for Goodwill Ambassadors been a great boon for Goan sportspersons?
A. Undoubtedly. This is the best thing that could have happened to aspiring Goan sportspersons. I sincerely thank Mr Shrinivas V Dempo for having chosen me and also for having kept the faith in my abilities that has helped me and the other two girls (Ivana and Talasha) to fulfil our sporting aspirations. In today’s competitive world, the Dempo scheme has provided the right impetus for budding and talented sportspersons on the Goan scene, which is a great concept for sportspersons realise their sporting ambitions.