Delighted After Win, But Need Govt To Stand By Me: Odisha Athlete Parbati Sethi

Bhubaneswar: Athlete Parbati Sethi recently returned to Odisha after winning a silver and another bronze medal in discuss throw and shot put events respectively at the European Masters Games held at Torino in Italy.

Sharing her experience on the success during an exclusive interview to OTV, Sethi said, "Around 7, 500 participants from 77 countries took part in the European Master Games and I am really very delighted that I could represent India and Odisha at the events and managed to bag two medals.”

Sethi who is currently working as TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) in the East Coast Railway (ECoR) and simultaneously pursuing her athlete career with success despite being 39 years of age expressed that she is delighted after winning medals for the country but she has some regrets.

"I welcome State government's appreciation for my success in European Masters Games but I hope that it understands my feelings and desires," Parbati noted.

“Though I got media coverage after winning medals in various games during the early phase of my career, I have failed to grab the attention of State Government. I don’t know the reason behind it but I think government snubbed me as I was playing without a coach or it might have thought that there is less scope in the game,” said Sethi

Asked about who she would give the credit for her success, Parbati said, “Firstly, I would like to thank my husband for continuously supporting and encouraging me to play even after getting married and having a child. I would also thank the DGP (RP Sharma) for allowing me to practice in the police ground.”

On her fitness, she said, "I have set up a 25-metre long garden inside the premises of my residential quarters where I continue my training for athletics." Sethi initially started her career as an athlete under the guidance of Arun Das but presently, she is dependent on self-coaching.

“I was initially playing under the supervision of Arun Das during my stay at State Government’s sports hostel in Bhubaneswar. After getting a job in railway, I left the hostel,” informed Sethi.

“While participating at India Games in 2009, I came in touch with coach Praveen Singh. He gave me a training schedule which I have been following since. Besides, whenever my husband gets time, he watches me playing and guides me. In short, my husband is my current coach,” Sethi added.

“I am grateful to the secretary of Odisha Master Games Federation, Siba Prasad Mishra for giving me the opportunity to play at the event and win the two medals,” stated Sethi while speaking to OTV.

Further sharing her future goals, Sethi said, “Playing is my passion and I will continue to play as long as I am fit. I am looking forward for good performance in the upcoming World Master Games to be held in Japan in 2021.”