New York Tennis Magazine’s Player Spotlight on Arvind Mahankali
Arvind Mahankali of Queens is the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion, beating out 280 other contestants in his fourth attempt in the competition. Arvind was finally able to overcome his “German Curse,” having been eliminated in third place the prior two years when asked to spell a word of German origin. This year, Arvind was asked to spell the word “Knaidel,” a German-Yiddish word meaning a dumpling, especially a small ball of matzo meal, eggs and salt, often mixed with another foodstuff, usually served in soup. In training, Arvind regularly read the dictionary in order to increase his vocabulary and learn as many words as possible to be better prepared for the annual spelling competition. This level of dedication is one of the many things he learned through his involvement with the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL).
Arvind first began taking part in the NYJTL programs at the age of eight. He learned at an early age that sacrifices, such as waking up early on weekends as he did for the NYJTL early morning program, would help to get him on track to achieve his goals. He also learned to work hard to become better in tennis and in the classroom. In tennis, you need to work at producing a powerful serve, and it’s the same when studying for spelling bee. Whether its buckets of balls or a dictionary full of words, no matter how large of a task or how hard it seems, you have to put in the work in order to reach your goals.
Arvind comes from a tennis-playing family, saying many of his greatest memories are with his family on the court. Arvind lives in Queens near many tennis courts, playing at many public parks and at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. If he could play any professional, Arvind would love to challenge Novak Djokovic in a singles battle. Given the opportunity to set up a doubles match with any three others, he would partner with Serena against his father and brother so he could have a front row seat to watch Serena do her work.
Arvind gracefully denies his newfound celebrity status, although he admits to having been stopped by tourists visiting New York City to take his picture. Arvind recounted a story when he was being interviewed by The Wall Street Journal. When he left the interview, a television crew was shooting something else, but when they saw him, they ran over for an impromptu interview. He was also on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show and Live With Kelly and Michael on his promotional tour. At the 2013 Mayor’s Cup Awards Ceremony at the National Tennis Center, Arvind was part of a panel that included local tennis luminaries and former NBA star Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. During a photo opportunity, Earl “The Pearl” stopped in the middle of a photo to seek out Arvind for a photo of his own. Since he became famous from spelling the word “Knaidel,” he has been invited to delis around New York City, including Carnegie and Katz, to sample the classic Jewish dumplings.
Up next for Arvind are the Math and Physics Olympiads, and he will begin studying computers as it is a useful skill in all business. He plans to become a physicist.
He will stay loyal to the NYJTL because he believes in the principals of encouraging young players to get better and emphasizes the importance of education.
Credit photos to Adam Wolfthal
USTA Eastern Executive Director Jill Fonte, Director of Tennis for Connor Sport Court International Randy Futty and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Director of Tennis Whitney Kraft welcome Arvind Mahankali (second from right) to the NTC
Arvind Mahankali and his family in the shadow of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
