Bhavina Patel was little-known to Indian sports fans ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. But with the historic silver, she became a household name. And once that happens, people start to follow your progress and expect big things. For example, she was built up as a gold-medal contender for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and we all know what that entails. Pressure is an uneasy thing to deal with, but in Bhavina’s case she dealt with the expectations superbly well on the way to a historic gold. She is now a role model for many and stands true to our series title, METAMORPHOSIS – Better through Sport, Health and Education presented by Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Trust.
Excerpts from the conversation.
Boria: What do your medals mean to you and para sport in general?
Bhavina: It is a major statement on behalf of para sport. First, that para sport is being held alongside able-bodied sport is itself a telling comment. Para sport is not about the disabled. It is as important and is parallel sport. That’ what my journey has been about. Coming to my medals, it isn’t mine really. It is India’s gold, which I happened to win. To be able to do something for my country has been the greatest thing in my life, and CWG was another chapter to this story.
Boria: Now that you have won medals in Tokyo and Birmingham, the expectations from you have naturally risen. Do you feel the pressure of expectations at any point?
Bhavina: No, I do not. I have to say the kind of support I have received from people back home – our Prime Minister, Sports Minister, Paralympic Committee – has meant a lot and that’s where the confidence is stemming from. I have trained the best, prepared the best and have tried to stay focussed. Frankly, I do not have to think of anything expect my preparations. That makes a world of difference. We keep talking about structure. There is a proper structure for us in India now, and that’s what is helping us win medals. Pressure is always welcome, for it means people expect good things from you. They are watching you and know you can do something for the country. Such pressure is always welcome. It is more an opportunity to do something good, rather than pressure.
Boria: What has been a standout feature in your game is your ability to come back from difficult situations. That’s what has helped you win really close matches. How much of this is mental?
Bhavina: It is about not giving up. You need to believe that you always have a chance till the very last point is played. Even when I have conceded the lead, I felt I had a chance. It is always a matter of a few points. I need to stay focused and not give up on the game. That’s what the years of hard work have taught me.
Boria: What’s next for Bhavina Patel?
Bhavina: We will start training for the next big tournaments without any delay. As an athlete, it is one tournament to another. Paris 2024 is the ultimate goal. I won a silver in Tokyo. I am desperate to change the colour of the medal.
Boria: A word on Nikul, your husband?
Bhavina: Nikul has been my biggest strength. He is coach, trainer, masseur, support and everything that I need. He has sacrificed a lot for me, and I am glad I have been able to make him proud.
Boria: Since Tokyo, how has life changed for you?
Bhavina: Things are radically different now. The very same people who used to call me names now come with their children to get selfies clicked and autographs taken. Now, many want to be like Bhavina and win medals at international competitions. But most importantly, I am now accorded a kind of respect that I did not see earlier. People now look at me with a very different pair of eyes. It is as if I have done something worthwhile for India. But you know what, that’s something I want to tell you that I want to see changed. Why should it be about achievement? Every person with disability needs to be treated with respect and dignity. That’s what will make us a better and more inclusive society. So while I now get the respect I deserve, my fight as a women is to ensure every Indian gets the same respect and affection.
Also Read: Metamorphosis: Best Through Sports, Health & Education : Manasi Joshi & Tejaswin Shankar