Naveen wins a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the 52 kg wrestling event when he beat Pakistan's Mohammad Sharif Tahir in the final. His victory, on his first outing itself, speaks about the saga of his parents' sacrifices.
Naveen's father, Dharampal Malik, who owns a small piece of land in Pugthala village in Haryana, has been doing the same chores for the last 10 years, so that his sons shine on the mat. His elder brother, Parveen who was pursuing Greco-Roman wrestling is employed with the Indian Navy, as a Petty Officer and is currently at the Raipur Akhada in Sonepat, where the Navy's wrestlers train.
The father used to travel 35 - 40 km every day, from his village to Sonepat to deliver milk, butter, ghee and home cooked food to his son. He used to leave his home at a half past 5 in the morning, board a bus to reach Sonepat, about two hours later. The mother, Gunwanti used to wake up at a half past 3, to cook food.
The proud parents saw their son win the gold medal, yesterday at Birmingham!
Apart from studies, Naveen used to cook food, clean rooms and do other work while staying with his brother, Parveen. He also started practising wrestling and it was then that coach, Kuldeep Singh saw him and started training him along with other civilian wrestlers.
My take
Just as the individual players put in hard work to excel in their sport, their parents supported them whole heartedly, often sacrificing their own interests! Take a bow, all of you!! India salutes your selfless actions in contributing to the country's name and fame.
Tailpiece.
Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10.
It was a quiet Sunday.
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