It’s been almost 40 years now but still the sound of whistles and cheers ring my ears, flashing all those memories back to mind, as fresh and new. Sports have always been my passion right from my childhood, maybe that was in my blood. I was into athletics and participated in most of the competitions and events when I was young.
Well, it was this passion that made me to take up sports seriously into my life. It was one of my dream comes true to participate in the national athletic meet representing my state and my dad’s too. I knew it was not that easy as it seems. Lots of hardship and dedication were required to be part of the competition, especially when you represent your state.
My dad was my true inspiration and my coach too. He supported and encouraged me a lot to make me what I am today. Truly, the best dad ever! He used to wake me up early in the morning and we used practice hours and hours in the track to make my timing perfect. I don’t know the way my father was my confident in my track. Finally I was selected for the National Athletic meet that was held in North California. The pressure was more and I had to work:
| even harder to win the title. |
The big day has arrived and all were set for the great meet. I was so damn happy to be part of the competition as well as a bit tensed too. I was confident that I will do my best, but on the other hand many people’s expectations were on me and I didn’t want to let them down at any cost. The only thing that bothered me was to get my perfect start. The first call for 400 metre dash was announced. My chest number was 5098 and was given the 3rd lane. The moment I was on my track I didn’t have anything else in my mind, not the cheers, whistles or applaud from my supporters. The only thing I could feel was the heat and my heart throbbing faster and faster. Since it is 400 metre sprint, I had to somehow make by start perfect.
My eyes were stuck on the trigger and when the 3rd shot was fired, I just gave my leap. Мy timing was excellent. Nothing was bothering me for that moment; those few seconds were very precious in my life and my career. Sweat was rolling down my eyes and cheeks and all I could see was the finishing point. I didn’t notice anything around me. Finally when I reached the finishing point, all I could see were my fellow athletes rushing towards me with joy and excitement.
They just raised me with gratitude and that was the moment I realized that I did it and won the competition. That particular moment was so special seeing great roars and cheers for my championship from the stadium and among all of them was my dad just smiling at me. I could read everything from his face.
