CHENNAI : A champion knows how to mentor the next generation of athletes and get the best out of them. Why? Because they know what it feels like when you are representing the country at the biggest stage. The tension, pressure and excitement when you hear the national anthem is inexplicable. Most champions decide to mentor after retirement. But, Rohit L Maradapa has started early.
He is currently at the Asian Games camp being held at the Army Rowing Node, Pune. While most rowers are focussed on the Asian Games in August, Rohit has plenty of things to worry about. The Chennai lad is not exactly taking up the role of a coach. “When I say mentor, I am not going to coach anyone. I am just going to help these young athletes with small events and workshops. For example, these kids might get an opportunity to mingle with some Olympic champions in Argentina. And most of them will feel shy to approach them because of the language barrier. That’s where I come in. By arranging a fun activity, they will be more comfortable and will also get a chance to talk to their idols,” Rohit said.
During the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in October, he will be a Youth Ambassador, educating young athletes on integrity and anti-doping among other things. He will also act as a communicator between the athletes and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to make sure that their issues are attended to. “It’s not just that. Some of these kids are being fed with hatred for the opposition and other negative elements. I have seen young athletes hail slogans like ‘Pakistan Murdabad’. That shows the kind of example we are setting for them. It’s time to change that and make them understand the spirit of the game,” he added.
Rohit is back to the rowing circuit after three years. The coxswain, who is fond of analytics and accounts, took a sabbatical to complete his BCom degree and also did the Young India Fellowship — a course that specialises in liberal arts.
With frequent meetings set to happen with the IOA in the next few months, planning out a daily schedule will be a humongous task for the 23-year-old. Rowing is a high endurance sport and one needs to take care of his/her body and make sure that there is enough rest. But Rohit says he is ready for the challenge. “My family is passionate about sports. I know that things won’t be easy. But I will never miss a chance to row. It’s my first love. So far, I am just going with the flow. I hope it continues like this,” said the 2015 Asian Rowing Championships silver medallist.