Parents’ Prayers, Dedication, and Rewards: Supporting Their Children’s Olympic Dreams

Parents go the extra mile to support their children at Olympic selection trials

The tension was palpable at the third Olympic selection trials in Bhopal as parents of young shooters like Manu Bhaker and Sift Kaur Samra watched nervously from the sidelines. While the shooters remained focused on their targets, their parents couldn’t hide their anxiety.

Manu’s mother, Sumedha Bhaker, couldn’t bear to watch as her daughter struggled in the early rounds of the 10m air pistol event. She sought solace outside the range, praying fervently for Manu’s success. Similarly, Sift’s father, Pawandeep Singh Samra, drove 1200 kilometers to ensure his daughter had a smooth journey to the competition.

The parents’ dedication didn’t stop at just dropping off their children. They meticulously tracked their performances, analyzed scores, and even provided incentives for good shots. Sujit Sen, Tilottama Sen’s father, took unpaid leave from work to support his daughter and closely monitored her progress.

While some parents preferred to stay in the background, others like Sumedha and Pawandeep actively sought ways to support their children. Sumedha’s ayurvedic oil massages and Pawandeep’s role as an intermediary between Sift and her coaches highlighted the lengths parents go to for their children’s success.

Despite the stress and sacrifices, these parents remain committed to their children’s dreams. As the trials determine India’s team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the unwavering support of parents like Sumedha and Sujit serves as a testament to the power of parental love and dedication in nurturing young athletes.