KOCHI: Javelin thrower Ravinder Singh Khaira is an expert in the art of getting back on his feet when life sweeps him off the floor. He has been tricked by circumstances several times, but on each occasion he stood up stronger, only to face the next hurdle that time has had in store for him.
During the budding stage of his career, it was lack of funds that posed questions. Then, search for livelihood made him leave the sport and migrate to Australia, where he worked as a cab driver.
And, when he discovered that the lure of sport is too tough to resist, he returned to the throwing arc. More powerful, experienced and seasoned by the scars that time had inflicted on him.
He made a grand entry with gold at the 2014 Open Nationals in Ranchi. But, the medal proved insufficient to fetch him a job as a Public Sector Unit (PSU) denied him because he was too old. He was 28 at that time.
Then came injuries—to his back, wrist and feet—that proved a handicap for almost two years. And, in between, he had to deal with his son’s illness. Two-year-old Dilsher is a rheumatoid arthritis patient, and has gone under the knife twice.
Just when it seemed that Ravinder would lose his battle with destiny, he again staged a fightback, winning the top spot on the podium with a meet record in the Open Nationals in Lucknow on Wednesday.
“Dilsher’s illness and my injuries had affected my performance in the previous seasons. In two years, he underwent surgery twice. As a father, that is a very painful situation to deal with. But now, he is getting fitter. I am happy with his development. My injuries too have almost healed, and with the sort of help and assistance
that I am getting from coach Garry Calvert, I have been picking up well. I hope to continue this good show,” said Ravinder from Lucknow.
Ravinder, meanwhile, has got a job in Railways, and he said that it has helped him support his family. Since the Open Nationals is the last domestic tournament of the season, Ravinder is happy that he can start the next season with confidence. “Two big events are coming up next year: the Asian and World Championships. If I can steadily build on my performance, I can put up a good show.”