GUWAHATI, FEB 25   :   A podium finish in the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Ashtalaksmi 2023 would not only aid Jyoti Kattimani’s dream to represent the country one day but also help her convince her parents to keep up her pursuit as an athlete.

Born in a humble family, the 24-year-old studying Physical Education never let her financial setbacks come in the way of her dreams. Her father works as a scrap dealer while her mother works as a housekeeping staff in the same sports hostel in Dharwad where Jyoti trains.

However, she now finds herself at a crossroads with her parents insisting on her giving up the sport and taking up a job due to her family’s depleting finances.

Jyoti’s family of eight members, including four sisters expanded to 13 after two of her elder sisters returned home with their children after a few years of marriage.

“It was getting increasingly difficult to maintain the family, so my parents won’t approve of me continuing with sports. Instead, they have asked me to join some jobs and support the family. My mother, who has issues with her knee, and is a senior citizen, has restarted working at the hostel as a housekeeping staff to support the family,” she said adding that her elder sisters now work as domestic help to support the family.

Jyoti arrived in Guwahati this week with hopes of changing her fortunes. “I always dreamt of being a good athlete and wanted to pursue sport. I would take part in open races and use the prize money to support the family.

“I also took up odd jobs to earn some money. I feel, if I do well in such a big event like the Khelo India University Games then I can convince my parents and perhaps even make them understand that I could land a job in sports quota one day,” she added.

All through Jyoti’s struggles, her biggest support has been her coach Shamla Patil. “My coach has been very supportive, and she has sponsored my fees at the University, where I’m pursuing my graduation.

“I have taken part in four major tournaments in my career so far, including last year’s Open Nationals where I came up with my best performance of 2:12 in 800m,” she said.

Jyoti, who made the cut for the KIUG 2023 after finishing eighth at the All-India University Games, is hopeful of an improved show at the event.

“I am looking forward to giving my 100 percent in KIUG. I will be participating in the 800m event. This platform has produced many stars for India over the years and remains one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country.”(UNI)