Allow your kids to fly says Olympian Anju Bobby George
One of India's most decorated athletes Anju Bobby George urged parents to give their kids freedom to choose their own path
Two-time Olympian Anju Bobby George hailed her parents for their unconditional support and believes it helped lay the foundation of her long, decorated career.
The much-celebrated long jumper bagged several accolades at the world level besides finishing fifth at the Athens 2004 Olympics. She, however, failed to qualify for the final at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
"My parents were always ready to spend as much as they could. They were ready to invest in me. So I was lucky in that way," Anju Bobby George said during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Sportswise India organized 'Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers' meet on Friday.
The 2003 World Championships bronze medallist also urged parents to give their children freedom to select their own path for a living.
"Never drag your kids towards anything, just allow them to fly. They are different as individuals and their capacity is mostly beyond your imagination. So just let them fly in areas where they are good enough. Just support them, they will grow and reach wherever they want," said Anju, who has two kids.
"My parents supported us and I reached beyond my capacity. We need passion, we have to struggle a lot because nothing will be easy. These struggles repay you," she added.
The 2005 World Athletics Final gold medallist also recalled her formative years as a long jumper. She largely owes her success to her coach and husband Robert Bobby George, a national triple jump champion, who helped her realise her dream.
"After college, I was selected for the national camp and came to Bengaluru. From there I put my full interest in sports. Then after a few years, I got Robert Bobby George. Because he was also a triple jumper, I just asked him if he could help me," Anju said.
"He (Robert Bobby George) was a visionary and believed a lot in me. Because a World Championship medal was beyond my imagination. But when I started training with him there were a lot of changes and I started my international career," she added.
Anju and Robert have now established their own academy in Bangalore. The pair is focused on sharing their experience with upcoming athletes.
"After my career, beyond sports, nothing is there for us," the 44-year-old said. "We started our academy in Bangalore. There are 13 girls (at the academy). The opportunities I gained through my sport, no one else can tell or share with anybody and my coach Bobby is also with me. He is the backbone and share (his experiences)."
"We can teach the kids what we gained through our sports. We can teach them what and how you need to behave inside the grow. It is easy for me to teach them and they will accept the things," she added.
They have also done a lot of groundwork to select the first group of athletes for their academy.
"We are scouting from sub-junior competitions. We watch them for two-three competitions. Our set-up is still getting ready. The work stopped due to the Covid-19 situation but we have some things other than the synthetic tracks. We are trying to give them world class infrastructure but we are struggling a bit because funds are a big challenge for us," she said.