GOLD COAST: Mahavir Phogat had come from India to watch her daughter fight.
The father of the famous sisters on whom the movie Dangal was based was travelling abroad to see her in action for the first time. He nearly missed his daughter’s bouts on Thursday.
Reason? Mahavir didn’t have a ticket.
Parents of participants are normally given tickets to events their children are taking part. But Babita, who won silver in 53kg, ran from pillar to post requesting Indian officials unsuccessfully for a ticket.
Mahavir, whose role in the movie was played by Aamir Khan, had to wait outside the arena when Babita’s preliminary bouts were going on. Only after the Australian team offered him a ticket could he get in.
“The Australian manager gave me tickets,” said Babita.
“My father was waiting from the morning. Usually a participant gets two tickets. We didn’t, although I tried hard.”
The presence of parents has already caused unnecessary noise in the Indian camp.
Saina Nehwal threatened to pull out after her dad was denied accommodation at the Games Village despite having accreditation. He was eventually let in.
Babita said there should not be discrimination in dealing with parents.
“I’m not sad about him not getting accreditation. But if one person gets it, then everyone should.”