No one can deny that motherhood is a busy & demanding, yet an endearing journey. But today’s women are trying avenues to not lose themselves in Motherhood.
Unlike her earlier counterparts, today’s woman is trying her level best to ensure that her real self co-exists with motherhood. And one such mom is Krishna Poonia, who sailed through a tough time to achieve success.
Krishna Poonia, born in a family of farmers, had a difficult childhood. Born to a farmer, Krishna lost her mother at a young age of 9.
Her groundwork of turning into a great athlete did not come from any professional sports training. Rather, it came from her tough yet inspiring childhood.
Since she turned 15, Krishna helped her father on his farms. And, instead of letting her circumstances break her spirit, she turned those earlier hardships into her strength, which laid the foundation of becoming a discus thrower.
As per Indiatimes, as she milked the buffaloes on her father’s farm, her arms’ strength gradually started increasing and thus she made sure her the physical fitness was at a top-level. Though she tasted her first success in 2006 with an Asian Games bronze. And, after a couple of wins and defeats, her success came in the Commonwealth Games where she won the gold.
With this gold, the farmer’s daughter and a mother, became the first Indian woman to win a Commonwealth Games gold in track and field events and only the second Indian ever since Milkha Singh won the 440 yards in 1958.
Recalling how her husband was the reason who made it easier to become an established athlete, she shared –
“It is difficult for an Indian girl to carry on with an unconventional career such as discus throwing. But once my husband got to know about it, he encouraged me to start training again.”
But, being a mother it wasn’t easy for Krishna to pursue her dreams. It was the support of her family that helped her achieve her dreams.
While talking to India today, she mentioned how her mother-in-law and sister-in-law supported in raising her son:
“Lakshya has almost been brought up by my mother-in-law and sisters-inlaw (who live in Rajasthan). The day I had my event finals for the Commonwealth Games, he had his English examination, which he was really worried about. This made me nervous, for I was not there to help him prepare for it.”
In one of her earlier interviews with India today, she mentioned how she felt guilty of being away from her son:
“As a mother, I feel nothing can be harder than missing out on watching your child grow up.”
She further added:
“Sometimes I curse myself for not being there by his side! At times he complains that neither of his parents is available to attend any of his school meetings, and I just feel so helpless. I try to live a lifetime in every second that we spend together – I cook for him and listen to his stories about his friends and school.”
Though Krishna shifted her focus to politics in 2013, her achievements on the track will never be forgotten.
Realizing the sacrifice and struggle that this mom went through to make our country proud, we at IFORHER couldn’t stop ourselves from applauding her courage.