‘God made mothers because he could not be with us everywhere...’ And, legendary sportspersons across the globe could not agree more. Mothers play precious roles in their children’s lives. They even play bigger roles in sportspersons’ lives.
Mother is the first coach of every sportsperson. They nurture, support, inspire and motivate their kids to emerge as champions in their lives. Let’s have a look at some of the superb moms of Indian sportspersons who have produced some super champions:
Rajni Tendulkar (Sachin Tendulkar’s mother)
Rajni nurtured one of the greatest cricketers on the planet- Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. She extended her support to Sachin right from the beginning when the reticent boy decided to play cricket. She also supported Sachin through his leanest phases and injury layoffs like a great pillar.
Leela Raj (Mithali Raj’s mother)
Leela Raj had to go through lots of difficulties in raising Mithali as a woman cricketer. It’s very difficult even to nurture a male cricketer. Nurturing Mithali as a woman cricketer was a herculean task for Leela. She fought with stereotypes and social stigma to make Mithali one of the greatest woman cricketers of India. Behind every run Mithali has scored in international cricket, there is Leela’s contribution in it.
Devaki Devi (MS Dhoni’s mother)
Legendary cricketer and former India captain MS Dhoni got huge support and immense love from his mother to grow as one of the greatest cricketers in the world. Dhoni came from a humble background. Mahi’s father Pan Singh wanted him to have a good education to secure a decent government job. However, Mahi was more engrossed in sports. When he was asked to play for his school’s cricket team, Pan Singh initially opposed it. But when his wife supported the budding cricketer, he softened and went on to support his son in pursuing his passion and dreams. Hence, the career of one of India’s greatest cricketers flourished gradually with his mother’s immense love and strong support.
Naseema Mirza (Sania Mirza’s mother)
In a conservative family, it was a huge challenge for Naseema to nurture Sania Mirza as India’s greatest-ever female tennis player. She faced societal stereotypes in raising Sania. It was really difficult for Naseema to make others understand her daughter’s passion for tennis which was generally dominated by male players. But she never gave up and with all her dedication and determination nurtured Sania. Naseema is the greatest inspiration for multiple Grand Slam winner Sania.
Saroj Kohli (Virat Kohli’s mother)
Team India’s star batsman Virat Kohli has always credited his success to his mother. After losing his father early in his childhood, it was Saroj who guided a young Virat well to be one of the greatest cricketers across the globe. The former India captain has been highly inspired by his mom and continues to draw inspiration from her.
Usha Rani (Saina Nehwal’s mother)
Saina Nehwal is the most successful woman badminton player in India. Her grand success in the international arena has made India proud. However, very few people know about the dedication of Saina’s mother Usha Rani behind her success. Even now, Usha accompanies Saina to various tournaments including Olympics and press conferences across the globe. She is the main force behind Saina to emerge champion in various international mega tournaments and become an Olympic medallist.
Akham Kom (Mary Kom’s mother)
Great woman boxer Mary Kom has got an indomitable spirit from her mother Akham Kom who sacrificed a lot to fulfill the dreams of her daughter. As per the six-time World Champion, her mother has always accepted her the way she is and supported her without any conditions in all good and bad times.