PV Sindhu’s father PV Ramana, a member of the Seoul 1986 bronze medal winning squad that clinched an Asian Games podium finish.
His rise to the summit at the continental event came after a lot of hardships from his childhood. But he hasn’t discouraged anyone from taking up sport alike Pullela Gopichand.
“My father died when I was 3, I was the youngest of 10 siblings. But my elder brothers and sisters, they were so happy to support me and see me play national-level volleyball, why? Because I got a Railways job because of that sport,” he recalled in an interview to PTI.
“So, if you are lower middle-class or middle-class, being good in any sport actually opens up opportunities for you. Not to forget, sport is great for a child’s overall development,” he added.
The 61-year-old also disagreed to Gopichand’s statement stating that sport is only for the middle-class people in India. His elder daughter PV Divya became a doctor after pursuing netball in her childhood while Sindhu raced from being a prodigal talent to two-time Olympic medalist.
“Talent always reveals itself and is never a prisoner of wealth. As a parent, you have to find the balance. When I realised my elder daughter was academically inclined, I encouraged her to pursue that,” he said.
“With Sindhu, she was way ahead of everyone on the badminton court by the time she entered 10th standard in school. She had found sponsors because everyone could see she was destined for big things. We should trust the children too. They also have instincts,” he explained.
“I don’t think as a sportsperson, one should discourage others from sports,” he added.
Ramana also acted as a mentor to many young shuttlers who couldn’t land a job in Railways.
“All she needed was some guidance. That’s where people like us have to step in. She just needed to be told that if not here, then there. Youngsters who are driven are very smart as well. They find a way,” he said. “We should never forget that minimum graduation is required for an athlete too (to find a decent job). These days, there is quota in jobs for retired athletes as well,” he said referring to the government’s push to have more retired sportspersons involved in administrative and coaching jobs through various initiatives.
“So, don’t discourage, let the child flow. In my view, they should be encouraged to find balance and pay attention to academics also because you are not training the entire day. There is time for other things,” he added.
Sindhu pursued her masters in business administration. He felt it was unfair to say that richer children had a better chance in sport.
“During Sindhu’s formative years, there were days she would ask me how was it that some kids in her training travel by air while we always took the train. But look at her now,” he pointed out.
“Struggle will be there but you have to be prepared.”