In the heart of Jawan village, nestled in the interiors of Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, Jagbir Lamba, a part-owner of farmland and an employee at a nearby petrol pump, stands on the under-construction first floor of his house, radiating pride. This newfound joy stems from the accomplishment of his daughter, Priti, who clinched the bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase at this year’s Asian Games.
Jagbir’s family, facing financial constraints and lacking cultural exposure, never envisioned nurturing a top-level international athlete. Despite a fondness for Kho Kho, Jagbir’s own sporting aspirations were stifled by the family’s circumstances. However, when Priti began dominating age-group state meets at the age of 13, the Lamba family united in their pursuit of her athletic dreams.
“The entire family got together to work towards the same goal. Even if it made things hard. So we saved, controlled our expenses,” Jagbir shares with The Indian Express. “When the child is as talented as her, it makes everything easier.”
Jagbir doesn’t portray their financial struggles as a tale of hardship but acknowledges the lack of awareness that impeded their progress. “It’s hard for a medium (middle-class) family. Even if we arrange the money, where do we spend it? We have never had protein shakes or juice,” he says. In the absence of financial resources, Jagbir credits local coach Roshan Lal Malik, now deceased, for guiding Priti with diet plans, exercise, and training, providing crucial advice on necessary equipment.
Priti’s early career was shaped without the involvement of big academies or government authorities. Her family and the local coach played pivotal roles in her development. Jagbir envisions sports as a viable professional avenue for many rural youngsters. “The closest stadium is 25km away from us. If we can’t make the daily journey, we have to resort to local jugaad… Bring facilities into the heart of villages and see how talent is unearthed,” he advocates.
In a May interview with The Indian Express, Priti expressed her goal of winning an Asiad medal for the year, recognizing its significance for her father. Now, with the medal secured, Jagbir reflects, “Honestly, the tears couldn’t stop for four days (after she won). Our sacrifices were worth it.” The Lamba family’s story stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and untapped potential found in the rural sporting landscape.
