The Gold Medallist

 

    

Lifeschool Sports Convention '16, was going on and I had totally immersed myself into it.
Indoor, outdoor, athletics and endurance games were to be played across a period of 4 months. We were 300 of us divided into 4 teams, each being led by an able Captain.

These sports are being played at peak passion by the participants. It has a point system in place. Each participant is allowed to play two individual and two team games.

I had already played one individual game, Chess. The performance in Chess was nothing to talk about and this had lead to a resolve in me to earn points for my team in my second individual game.

The Sports Convention '11 saw me participating in Shotput, winning a Silver, but getting my shoulder dislocated in the process. Since than, I was carrying this injury and avoided doing any shoulder strengthening exercises. The shoulder, with a particular moment of the hand, would suddenly get dislocated and for the next few moments, until I fit it again into its position, there would be excruciating pain. The hand would than be almost strengthless for the next some days.

This Sports Convention, we had a category of age group above 41 years. I analysed that there wouldn't be much competition and there would be every chance of me winning a medal in Shotput, inspite of the injury. Accordingly, I told my Captain, Naina, to enter my name for Shotput.

I started the practice. Only ten days of practice was possible. The best throw that I had in 2011 was 8.3m. In my first day of practice, my first attempt saw me throw 5.0m! I had second thoughts about my decision to participate.

But, I continued.

On the 5th day, our Coach, Vijay Sir joined us. The practice got more meaningful under him. 
5th day, I threw 6.5m. 
6th day I improved to 6.8m. 
7th day, over-excited, I threw caution to air and in an attempt to throw long, got my shoulder dislocated!
It was too painful. As usual, got the shoulder back into place but the injury had happened, both physically and mentally. 
Vijay Sir, advised me to rest my shoulder for the next two days and attempt to throw directly in the finals. I accepted. My hopes of scoring points for my team had all but vanished.
The final day arrived. The earlier night I couldn't sleep properly. I was imagining myself to come in the second position. It was the best that I could do.
The Event started. Among 8 of us, I was the 6th in line to throw. As one by one each participant threw before me, it became clear that a throw above 7.0m can land me in 2nd position. My friend, Avinash, from the opposite team had thrown to 7.40m.
It was my turn. I remembered everything that my present coach, Vijay Sir, and my earlier coach, Gijrathi Sir, had told. I wanted to give my best chance, but without hurting my shoulder. I was told to take a deep breath, not hold the ball long enough in my hand and with the combination of swing and momentum release the ball at the proper time and ideal height. I did the same. The result..... it was 7.28m! I was second.
Next throw, Avinash improved to throw 7.46m. I now wanted to improve upon my last attempt. I took the ball in my hand. Got to my position and without wasting any time threw. It was 7.44m. Just 2cm less than Avinash. 
My team-mates suddenly got excited. From no hopes I was challenging the champion. Each one motivated me in their own way. Vijay Sir was massaging my shoulder and simultaneously instructing me on what I should do in my final attempt. There was a crowd around me of my team-mates. Each one advising me something or the other. But the best dialogue came from Bhakti. She warned me that if I didn't come first, she will confiscate my Restaurant from me and Register her name on it! This was enough to shock, amuse and frighten me.
As per the procedure, just before my turn, I went on the far end to collect the ball which my opponent would be throwing. The ball was thrown and I collected it with my left hand.
As I moved towards my position, there was absolute silence. Each one present there was observing me. Avinash had thrown to 7.44m in his third attempt. I had to improve upon my earlier throw just by 2cm. My team-mates were too much expectant. The opponents were praying that I do not cross the first position throw. The referees were enjoying the competition. Our Trainer seemed to be confident of me. My wife Sarita and my sister, Pushpa were nervous. My son, Hrishant was experiencing the whole event. He wanted his Papa to win nothing short of a gold medal. I was aware of his presence. This was going to be a defining moment for me and him.
I went into the ring. Kept the ball on the ground. Marked my step. Lifted the ball by my right hand. Took my position. Saw the target with the corner of my eye. Took a deep breath. Swung my body, releasing the ball at the maximum height simultaneously releasing my breath out powerfully. 
The ball went into the air. I realised, my shoulder had dislocated. There was a huge pain. But, my eyes were fixed on the ball. Finally it landed with a thud. 
As it landed there was a huge cry from the crowd! I had thrown much further than the leader. When measured it was found to be 7.55m!
Everyone gathered around me. Each one was hugging, congratulating me, team-mates, opponents alike. Vijay Sir was very happy. Bhakti was giving a mean smile. Amit, her husband, was too happy to express. Naren came to hug. My Captain, Naina, finally found her way amongst the crowd to hug me. 
An exceptional moment in my life. I was soaking myself into it. 
Finally the crowd subsided. Everyone moved towards the next event. I drank water and started moving towards the pavilion when someone held my hand. Hrishant, my son, had silently come from behind. I saw his eyes. It was full of pride and admiration. Hand in hand both of us travelled the distance.