Athletes from all corners, including Indian representatives, transcended boundaries to chase victory and their journey resonated with shared dreams and emotions, encapsulating the unity and passion that defined this extraordinary event. Amidst the cheers and challenges, there's a common force that drives every athlete forward: the unbreakable support of their mothers. Behind every athlete's remarkable journey lies an unsung hero: their mother, the backbone that provides unwavering support, fierce determination, and boundless love.
Here are a few inspiring instances where athletes and their mothers illuminate the path to triumph.
Manu Bhaker's Mom Sumedha
Shooting champion Manu Bhaker suffered an unfortunate exit from the Games in 2021 after her pistol malfunctioned. This led to severe stress to the point where the 22-year-old decided to step away from the sport. However, with encouragement and the right coach, Bhaker dedicated herself to shooting once again.
Her mother Sumedha stood beside her through these tough times and today, the athlete has won two historic bronze medals for India at the Paris Games 2024. Sumedha revealed that Manu Bhaker would spend over nine hours daily to prepare herself for this feat. The shooter made many sacrifices to finally bring glory to her country at the Olympics.
None of her victories would've been possible without the support and encouragement of her parents. Bhaker told Olympics.com in a 2021 interview, "There are ups and downs in life. Manu keeps working and there are times when she's unlucky (at competitions). I always push her up and motivate her by saying next time you will do well.”
Manika Batra & Sushma Tyagam
Manika Batra has made significant strides at the Paris Olympics 2024 as she is the first Indian table tennis athlete to reach the Round of 16 pre-quarterfinals. Her journey as one of the top paddlers in the world has not been without its challenges. The 29-year-old had to drop out of college to fully focus on her athletic career, which is not something most South Asian parents typically approve of. However, Batra's parents had unwavering confidence in her.
Batra told SheThePeople in an interview, "My mom has always kept me safe; she made it a point to never let fingers be pointed at me for being a girl who chose sports over society-approved professions. My sister, and my grandmother, too helped me become better. Family support is vital."
Not just Batra, but also her mother, Sushma Tyagam, wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to helping the athlete achieve her dreams. From supporting her decisions to making sacrifices, Tyagam has done it all for her daughter's success. Batra's father reportedly has battled mental illness, which posed many challenges in their lives. However, Tyagam, a fashion designer, remained strong and took the responsibility of monetarily and emotionally supporting the family in their time of need.
Tulika Maan's Mom Amrita
Judo-pro Tulika Maan's mother Amrita, a police officer, worked relentlessly to juggle her career and family. In the middle of her working day, she would go to pick her daughter up from school and bring her to the police station. She then enrolled her daughter into a judo club so the little girl would not have to spend her time amidst cops or criminals.
Amrita told the Indian Express how she made many difficult decisions, took loans, and used up savings to support Tulika's athletic dreams. Today, the 25-year-old judoka is representing India at the Paris Olympics 2024, proudly repaying her mother for all her efforts. Amrita continues to be a pillar of strength in Tulika's moments of weakness.
Rohit Sharma’s Mother’s Emotional Moment Captures Hearts
As India celebrated their T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 international cricket. Amid the global celebrations, their families joined in the joy. One heartwarming picture that caught everyone's attention showed Rohit with his daughter Samaira on his shoulders, while Virat stood beside him with the Indian flag draped over his back.
This picture was widely loved on social media and was even shared by Rohit's mother, Purnima Sharma, on Instagram. She captioned, "Daughter on his shoulders, nation on his back, and brother on his side."
In addition, Rohit was showered with affection from his mother during India's T20 World Cup victory parade. A video of Purnima kissing Rohit's head went viral, highlighting the deep bond between them. Purnima has always been a pillar of support for Rohit throughout his sports career. Interestingly, she was the one who chose the number 45 for Rohit's jersey in white-ball cricket.
Gukesh D and Padma Kumari
Chess prodigy Gukesh D has made big waves in chess tournaments around the world. However, it is a video of his mother and him embracing after a recent win that has captured the hearts of social media. Gukesh halted the paparazzi interviews to give a warm hug to his mother, Dr Padma Kumari.
Kumari is a microbiologist, who has been seen alongside Gukesh in several interviews. The chess champion calls his parents the pillars that hold him together in times of distress. Padma Kumari said in an interview with Chess Base India, "Gukesh always comes to me for emotional support. Whenever he is in a tough position, he usually jumps back by himself but a little encouragement from me makes him more confident. I remind him to stay calm and composed."
Neeraj Chopra and Saroj Devi
In a historic moment, the 'Greatest of All Time,' Neeraj Chopra, achieved a stunning triumph in the javelin throw competition at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Securing the first-ever gold medal for India in the tournament, the 25-year-old showcased the skill that earned him Olympic glory.
The victory stirred immense joy across India, particularly due to his win over a Pakistani opponent, sparking nationwide celebrations. What truly captured hearts, however, was Chopra's mother, Saroj Devi's, response to a reporter's question about her son's victory over a Pakistani rival.
A viral video captured Saroj Devi's post-achievement interview, where she gracefully addressed her emotions about her son's win. When asked about her feelings regarding his victory against Arshad from Pakistan, she eloquently stated, "In the field, everyone competes, and someone will definitely emerge as the winner. Nationalities, be it Pakistan or Haryana, don't matter in the sporting arena."
Aditi Ashok and Maheshwari
Aditi Ashok, a prodigious force in Indian golf, has shattered barriers and rewritten records with her unmatched prowess on the greens. From becoming the youngest winner of the Ladies European Tour to representing India at the Olympics, Aditi's journey embodies grit, talent, and inspiration.
Aditi Ashok's journey in the world of golf is beautifully shaped by the pivotal roles her parents play, as she shared in her previous interview. While her father's guidance and technical expertise carve her path, it's the profound influence of her mother that casts a soothing light on her journey.
Aditi's reliance on her parents underscores the significance of their roles in her life, with her mother's nurturing and calming presence creating a sanctuary that allows Aditi to focus and excel on the course.
As Aditi continues to leave her mark in the world of golf, it becomes evident that her mother's role is not merely supportive but transformative. Her mother not only caddies for the Indian golfer, but her unwavering support forms a cornerstone of strength and inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact a parent's dedication can have on an athlete's performance.
Praggnanandhaa & Vaishali and their mom Nagalakshmi
While the world stands in admiration of the brother-sister grandmaster duo Rameshbabu Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa, it's their mother who emerges as the unsung hero behind their historic achievements. Nagalakshmi stood by their side throughout their matches, with heartwarming images of her radiant pride as her children soared garnering widespread attention online.
Nagalakshmi, once a homemaker, seamlessly balanced familial responsibilities while dedicating herself to accompanying her son to international chess tournaments. Her unwavering presence, an embodiment of love, encouragement, and unwavering strength, became a steady beacon in his journey. Nagalakshmi's silent contributions, bolstered by her presence in every match, signify the profound impact of maternal devotion, illustrating how her support has been a cornerstone in shaping Praggnanandhaa's remarkable path to success.
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