Undergraduate / 'ALL INDIA RANK' - NUS ADMISSION - talent, a personal experience or an activity [7]

can you help me cut short this essay by 400 char....
the question is:

This section is an opportunity for you to elaborate on the information you have provided earlier. You may wish to discuss a special talent, a personal experience or an activity that you have been involved in that is of relevance to the course that you are applying for at the university.(2000 char)

the essay is:

I have grown in scientific atmosphere with temper of reasoning and logic. Both my parents are Scientists, working in R & D aerospace laboratories. Hence, science has fascinated me all through my school learning, with inquisitiveness for deeper knowledge on how different machines work. I have deep passion for innovative development and feel that combining these interests with a world class institution like NUS will enable me to take a firm foothold and embark on a career in engineering.

I try hard to get into different grooves and love to take challenges. I had represented BANGALORE REGION in the KVS NATIONAL SPORTS MEET-2008, in LAWN TENNIS. I had to defeat the gold medalist of the previous year in the selection round. I told myself not to throw things into the towel that easily. I put things into perspective and my perseverance paid off when these consistent efforts helped me defeat him.

I had received a CERTIFICATE OF MERIT for securing INTERNATIONAL RANK 269 in the INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD 2008 competing with the best brains of the world.
I had been awarded a cash prize of Rs 5000/- for obtaining 1st position in the vision talent search examination-2008 competing with regional toppers and thousands of other students.

I have received a cash prize of Rs 5000/- from CBSE for being amongst the top 100 in CBSE BOARD EXAMINATIONS 2008 ALL INDIA.
I have also received a cash award for securing ALL INDIA RANK 14 by KVS in the CBSE BOARD EXAMINATION 2008.
I also received CASH AWARDS and CERTIFICATES OF MERIT from DIRECTOR GENERAL, CSIR for exceptional performance in studies and extra curricular activities.
Overcoming these challenges taught me about persistence and about being unfaltering in the face of adversities. Today, I always seek to motivate myself, despite the daunting challenges that line up in my path. I never let myself get diverted from the path to achieve the goals that matter most to me.

Leadership would definitely help me in any area in any course, as in organizing my work, studies and even having good bond and relationship within classmates without any conflict. I have always cherished the idea of team work. My achievements in SCOUTING have helped me gain these leadership skills and the idea of working as a team.

By joining the NUS community, I know that I will once again find myself in an environment that is presented with rewarding challenges. With the "never quit" attitude I developed triumphing over difficulties, I believe these values and beliefs will help me excel and succeed in the future.