PIS gymnasts struggle to pursue their studies

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Mohali, September 16

Young gymnasts at the Punjab State Institute of Sports (PIS) are limping back to normalcy. Their practice hours have been fixed and their tournament schedule is out for which they are preparing with full dedication.

However, a few of them are struggling to pursue their studies due to non-availability of resources. National silver medallist Sathak Walia, whose father works as a peon at a private school, and another national-level gymnast Aman, whose parents work as daily wager, have limited means to pursue studies.

While Walia has to visit his uncle’s house in Zirakpur to get print outs and scan study material for various projects, Aman waits for his father to return home in evening to go through the lessons.

“I want them to have computers or laptops for which I will have to approach higher authorities. I just wish this doesn’t affect their practice. They are brilliant gymnasts. I have been training dozen of gymnasts and we do help them, but this is something big we are asking for,” said coach Samir Deb.

Walia said he wished to become an engineer and help his father live a comfortable life. “My father got me a second-hand mobile phone on which I attend online classes from 9 am to 1 pm, but the major problem is reading and collecting material for projects. Since I don’t have a computer, I have to visit my uncle’s house in Zirakpur. Cyber cafes are too expensive for this thing,” said the 14-year-old.

He said, “I make sure not to use mobile phone for more than two straight hours. I don’t want any damage to my eyesight, which may affect my gymnastics’ career. I am trying hard to get to through the Khelo India or any other scholarship to get some financial support.”

The story of Aman is no different. He has five siblings — four brothers and one sister — and his mother earns by doing household works. His father is a daily wager. He uses his father’s mobile for online classes. He was staying at the PIS academy’s hostel, but due to the nationwide lockdown, he had to come back.

“The only drawback of my career is injuries. I was dropped from the Indian (U-14) due to the same reason. Earlier, I used to stay in a hostel and get help from my teammates. I don’t have big dreams to excel in gymnastics and become a coach. I have to look after my siblings and my family too. I hope, Deb sir gets help for my studies and proper diet,” said Aman.