Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 11: Mangaluru-born Karen Natasia D’Cunha is captaining the Czech Republic women’s national cricket team that won against the Croatian team 3-0 in a tournament and considers playing the sport in Europe a proud moment for her as someone from the coastal city.

Her cricketing skills lie in being an all-rounder with special emphasis on batting and wicket-keeping. Karen says, “I am the captain of the Czech Republic Women's National cricket team, a role I regard as a solemn duty rather than a personal accolade.”

D’Cunha spent her early childhood in Dubai as her father’s work took her places after being born in Mangaluru. But, she considers herself a proud Mangalurean as she says her roots trace back to the coastal city. “I moved back to Mangaluru in the year 2000 to pursue my high school and further studies,” she says.

Karen pursued her under graduation course from St Aloysius College and went on to finish her MBA from SDM-IMD in Mysuru.

Karen, who is the only child of her late father John Francis DCunha and mother Olean Sheela D’Cunha says her ecclesiastical ties are with the Bendore parish, St Sebastian Church.

Presently, Karen is professionally employed with Infosys, who works on-site in the Czech Republic.

But how did Karen Natasia D’Cunha develop an interest to play cricket? Karen says matter-of-factly, “I can say that my journey into the world of cricket was by sheer stroke of luck! My passion for the team game was kindled during my childhood days inspired by my father's enthusiasm for the sport. We enjoyed playing prediction games during the IPL seasons. Despite a lack of opportunity to pursue cricket in my college days as women's cricket was not as developed then, I seized the occasion when I moved to the Czech Republic for work and embraced the opportunity to play.”

So what does the future hold for Karen? “Right now, my focus remains steadfast on the present and I am intent on leveraging this auspicious break into the game to grow and evolve with my talented teammates,” concludes Karen.