MOTHER’S GRIT BRINGS SUCCESS TO THREE ASSAM ATHLETES

GUWAHATI: Assam’s Poornima Mondol has mothered three athletes in three sports, and Sujit Mondol (kho kho), Pradip Mondol (hockey) and Mallvika Mondol (football) are representing the state at the third Khelo India Youth Games here.

Switching multiple jobs, Poornima provided the necessary financial support to help her children attain success in sport.

MAKING ENDS MEET

“I have had multiple jobs in my life. I worked in a school for sometime before leaving it because the salary was very low. Then, I opened a shop which unfortunately didn’t garner revenue. Now, I am hoping to get a job at a school again. My husband is a carpenter. His job was giving us a good income at one point, but now he doesn’t get as much work as he used to before, so it’s a little difficult for us,” said Poornima.

Poornima said that she faced financial troubles when her children took up sport.

“In the beginning, I faced a lot of trouble while providing equipment for my children. Now, when they win tournaments they receive some money which has eased the situation a bit. They earn enough to provide for themselves as well,” said the proud mother.

Quizzed on why she asked her children to take up sport, Poornima said it was the best way to keep them occupied.

“I didn’t want them to waste time after school hours. Now they come back from school and go out to play. Earlier, when they used to go out I was worried that they would meet people who would lead them in the wrong direction,” she said.