'We miss our 4-year-old son': Coach-husband Ravinder opens up about sacrifice after Seema's CWG discus throw bronze
Glasgow, July 31
Amidst the celebratory cheers following Indian discus thrower Seema Kaliramna's bronze medal-winning performance at the Commonwealth Games 2026, her personal coach and husband Ravinder opened up about the emotional tug-of-war as the couple's four-year-old son, Rudra, stayed back in India.
Seema, 27, secured a podium finish with a best effort of 58.65m at the Scotstoun Stadium, marking her maiden major international medal. However, behind the podium glory was a deeply personal story of sacrifice and a last-minute scramble to get to Glasgow.
"We missed our son a lot," Ravinder told reporters after the event. "He could not come because he did not have a passport, and my own travel was uncertain until the last moment. My visa was approved only on the evening of the 28th, and I flew here on the 29th, so it was not possible to bring him along. However, he watched the event from home. When I called home, he said that he slept 2 minutes ago. He is not used to waking up late," Ravinder told IANS.
Speaking to IANS after the medal win, Seema, who dedicated her medal to her husband for his constant mentorship and support throughout her career and post-motherhood comeback, echoed similar feelings. "My son is at home. I miss him a lot. Whenever I talk about my son, those emotions come out again and again. Now I will go home and meet him."
Seema also opened up about her struggles with employment and financial stability, revealing that age limit often prevent mature athletes from landing government jobs.
"I tried for a job earlier, but I did not get it. Now I am 27 years old, and according to the criteria, there is an age limit of 25 years," Seema said. "I don't have any financial support, and that remains a big barrier. If I had a job, it would be extremely helpful."
Despite the career hurdles, the mother and PhD scholar acknowledged the backing she receives from corporate and sports institutions.
"AFI (Athletics Federation of India) is supporting me a lot. SAI (Sports Authority of India) is supporting me a lot, and I am currently practicing at NCOE Patiala. JSW is also supporting me a lot. If I need anything else, my family arranges it for me," she shared.
Making an appeal to policymakers and sports administrators, Seema stressed that winning an international medal comes after lot of sacrifices and overcoming mental and financial hurdles.
"If a child shows interest in sports and wants to pursue it, please support them. If you can support an institute or a corporate partner, please help them. A player has to go through a lot before winning a medal; they face so many difficulties," she stated.
"There is a lot of compromise behind every success; financial constraints, mental health, dietary supplements... You have to manage all of this to improve your game and performance," the discus thrower added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is so relatable for every working mother! The guilt of leaving your child behind while pursuing your dreams is real. But Seema di, you've made India proud and your son will understand when he grows up. Sending love to little Rudra too! ❤️
The real issue here is not just the medal but the systemic problems. 27 years old and still no government job because of age limit? That's ridiculous! Our sports administration needs to understand that athletes peak later in some sports. Hope policymakers listen to her appeal. 🤔
"Whenever I talk about my son, those emotions come out again and again" - this line touched my heart. Seema ma'am is proof that women can achieve anything even after marriage and motherhood. Kudos to her supportive husband too. Jai hind! 🇮🇳
It's inspiring to see athletes from other countries making such sacrifices for their sport. The part about the 4-year-old watching his mom compete from home in India while she's in Glasgow really puts things in perspective. Congratulations on the bronze, Seema!
Respect to Ravinder ji for flying in at the last moment just to support his wife. These are the unsung heroes behind every athlete. But honestly, the government needs to step up - why should a medal winner worry about financial stability and age limits? Shame on our sports policies. 😤
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