VIDEO: Malvern scientist, Kriya connects the ‘darts’

STUDYING the application of marine microalgae in feed for aquaculture, might seem quite a far cry from the pursuit of a perfect score on a dartboard, but one Malvern woman has discovered the bridge between the seemingly incongruent disciplines of research and the art of a great game of darts.

Currently completing the final year of her PhD at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) at the institute of water and wastewater technology, Queensburgh News took some time to get to know Kriya Odayar after hearing about how she had again taken the top honours in the country for her skills in the much misunderstood, sports of darts.

In the world of both science and darts, she is continually having to shatter stereotypes which persist.

“When I say to people that I’m studying and completing my PhD they often think that I study books and write exams. The one thing most people don’t know is that after your BTech Degree, there are no written exams except for a Thesis you write which gets submitted for examination.”

“Research has brought so much interest into my life. It also teaches one to question everything which I feel is very important,” she said adding that when she was a girl, her father often used to say she asked too many questions. “I used to say the more I ask the more I know. Research has kept my mind invigorated but that’s only because I love the field I am in.”

Her trajectory shatters stereotypes

However many stereotypes Kriya has to shatter about women in science, the ones about the game of darts are even more significant.

“Most people think darts is a pub sport and you have to be fat bellied or consume alcohol to play the sport; but you don’t.  This misconception should be long gone. There are so many youngsters in the game and we are constantly looking for more ladies and youth to join us,” she said with a smile.

Her love of darts has taken her far, and next month she will be heading to Bucharest, Romania, for the World Cup of Darts where she will represent South Africa.

ALSO READ: Durban entrepreneur empowers women

Kriya might well be described as having darts in her blood.  Her parents and both her younger brothers, all play the game. “We all play darts, including my mum who has also been selected to represent the province.

My Granny is my role model. She is in her 70s, still works, drives and makes life happen. She has taught me so much,” Kriya said. “I love my family and admire them dearly,” she said. “My dad and mum are my rocks of strength and wisdom,” she said adding that her husband is “the most amazing guy.”

However, Kriya said her biggest support base, which she describes as “her soldiers” along with their ‘amazing’ wives, are her brothers.

“My brother Nolan is also a selected KZN youth player and my youngest brother, Prani, was a youth champion in 2006 and has been selected to represent KZN numerous times. He makes the game look so effortless and easy and I have always said I want to play just like him and my uncle Rajen one day.”

“I also have three uncles who play the game as well and we are always trying to beat each other and they always win,” she said.

The darts discipline

While she picked up the sharp winged missiles and began playing from a very early age, she only began playing competitively in 2013, so her work as a scientist preceded her darting global goals. Kriya completed a Biotechnology Diploma before working as a lab technician at an abattoir where she was promoted to lab manager in 2009.

It was actually in the same year that she began to compete in darting that she found herself back at DUT where she did her B.Tech and M.Tech.

While the darting term, ‘big fish’ is used to describe a score of 170 to end a leg, comprising a triple-20, triple-20, and inner bull, also known as the ‘maximum checkout’, Kriya counts the value of darts in more than just the score of a leg, but also as a way to relax and strike a perfect work, academic and personal life balance.

She said she feels the greatest benefit she receives from darts is that it has taught her discipline.

“You get those players that are natural to the game or even talented and then you get those that can only achieve this ‘talent’ by continuous practice and this can only be done if you are disciplined,” she said.

She said those with innate talent need to stick to training schedules and will definitely benefit from learning how to think positively.

“So discipline and learning how to think positively are the two things I am most thankful to darts for,” said said.

Bucket list ticks

This is a woman with firm ideas of what she wants out of life. Her bucket list includes completing her PhD, which is in progress; making the KZN darts side and the SA squad side to zone 6 all Africa champs and bringing back gold from The World Cup.

She said one of the things she aims for all the time is to be kind and speak kindly to people.

“I also want to help one person every day and have lots and lots of pets,” she said. “My hubby and dad are always complaining about how I bring home every animal and pet I come across,” she laughed.

A staunch activist for the sport she loves, she believes it is soon to be an Olympic sport which will put to an end all the stereotypical ideas about it being sport just for people to play in pubs.

Kriya and hubby, Anwar, feel the sport provides a positive environment for youngsters.

“Our training sessions are on Fridays from 6.30pm to 8pm.  This game keeps kids occupied and away from peer pressure and the streets where too many youngsters are being dragged into drugs and alcohol,” she said.

ALSO READ: Wonderful Warrior Women breakfast inspires

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.

To receive our free newsletter click here.