At just 12 years old, Perth-born basketball player Akshi Kohli is preparing to represent Western Australia at the School Sport Australia Championships in Newcastle, marking another milestone in a sporting journey shaped by determination, international experience and a love of the game.
Akshi is one of only 10 girls selected for Western Australia’s 12 Years and Under basketball team, which will compete from 25 to 30 October against talented junior players from across the country.
For Akshi, the selection is a significant achievement after four years of development, beginning with domestic basketball at her school, All Saints’ College, when she was eight.
“I was so excited!” Akshi said, recalling the moment she learned she had made the team. “When I found out I’d been selected, it made all that hard work feel worth it.”
The opportunity to wear Western Australia’s colours is particularly meaningful for the young athlete, who has progressed from school competitions to representative basketball and national-level tournaments.
From School Basketball to State Selection
Akshi currently plays for Lakeside Lightning in the Western Australian Basketball League (WABL), a representative competition featuring junior teams from 14 basketball associations across the state.
Unlike domestic basketball, WABL requires players to attend trials and earn selection. The competition provides young athletes with opportunities to develop their skills against stronger opposition and progress through increasingly demanding levels of the sport.
Akshi’s development has accelerated over the past year. In 2026, she was part of the Lakeside Lightning team competing at Basketball Australia’s National Under-14 Club Championships, participating as a bottom-ager among the youngest players eligible for the competition.
She was also selected for Basketball WA’s Under-14 Future Performance Program, which identifies promising young players and provides advanced training opportunities.
These experiences have helped her build confidence, improve her game and prepare for the challenge of representing Western Australia at a national school championship.
Playing Against Older Opponents in India
One of the most formative chapters in Akshi’s basketball journey came during 2024 and 2025, when she spent approximately a year in India, attending Delhi Public School while continuing to play the sport.
At nine, she frequently competed in Under-14 tournaments because relatively few girls’ teams were available in her age group. Playing outdoors against older, physically stronger and more experienced opponents pushed her to adapt quickly.
“That was challenging because they were stronger and more experienced, so I had to think faster and work harder,” she recalled.
The experience taught Akshi to make quicker decisions, recover from mistakes and become more resilient on the court. She also observed the dedication other players brought to shooting practice and skill development, lessons that continue to influence her approach to basketball in Australia.
Beyond competition, her time in Delhi gave her friendships and memories that remain an important part of her sporting journey.
“Even though we came from different places, we all loved the same game,” she said. “You don’t have to know someone for very long to become friends when you’re playing on the same team.”
For Akshi, basketball became a way to connect with young people from different backgrounds through their shared passion for sport.
Learning Resilience Through Basketball
Competing against older players also taught Akshi the importance of maintaining focus when things do not go according to plan.
“One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t let one mistake affect the rest of your game,” she said. “If I miss a shot or lose the ball, I have to focus on the next rebound, the next pass or the next basket.”
That mindset is valuable in a fast-moving sport where players must respond quickly to changing situations. It also reflects the maturity Akshi has developed through regular training and competition.
Her journey has taken her from school basketball in Perth to outdoor courts in Delhi, representative competition with Lakeside Lightning and now selection for Western Australia’s junior state team.
Lakeside Lightning publicly congratulated Akshi following the announcement of her state selection in August and offered further encouragement ahead of her trip to Newcastle.
National Championships Offer New Opportunities
The School Sport Australia Championships will bring together junior basketball players representing states and territories across Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Games will be held at Newcastle Basketball Stadium from 25 to 30 October, with matches livestreamed through SSATV so family, friends and supporters can follow the competition.
The event will give Akshi an opportunity to test her skills against some of the country’s strongest players in her age group, gain experience in a national sporting environment and build connections with teammates who share her ambitions.
While the championships represent an important milestone, Akshi remains focused on the enjoyment that first drew her to basketball.
“I started playing basketball because I loved it, and now I’m getting to represent Western Australia,” she said. “That’s pretty amazing!”
From discovering the sport at eight to earning state selection at 12, Akshi’s progress reflects her commitment to training, willingness to learn and determination to challenge herself against stronger opponents.
As she takes to the court in Newcastle, the young Perth athlete will have the opportunity to build on her achievements, represent her state with pride and continue developing her potential in basketball.
