Everybody was excited during
summer vacations but Manu was sad. The reason was same this year also. Like
every year, this year also she did not want to go for the sports camp.
“Manu, don’t worry! It’s a
matter of two months only,” Manu’s mother said politely. Manu’s mother
encouraged her daughter to join sports as she knew Manu fears failure. She kept
motivating her to join the classes and not escape anything fearing failure.
“I don’t want to go mom,’’
Manu said sadly.
“You know mom, I have sports
phobia and I hate exercising,” Manu murmured.
“Manu, it’s compulsory for
all students to join a sports activity,” her mom tried to convince.
“You don’t have any other
option but to choose a game of your choice.” Manu had no option left but to say
yes. “Okay mom. Give me some time to decide,” said she.
Next morning, Manu got up
early and met her best friend Sunny. They both studied together in the same
class and resided in the same locality.
Manu asked, “Sunny, have you
decided your sport for this summer vacations?”
Sunny said with smile, “Yes,
I am going for boxing.”
“Are you serious,” Manu
asked with curiosity.
“I have heard that boxing is
a difficult game and one can get badly hurt while playing,” added Manu.
Sunny said, “I am serious
about my decision and I have already enrolled myself. In fact I wanted to tell
you that this year girls can also join the boxing course.”
“Do you want to join with
me?” asked Sunny.
Manu didn’t answer back.
Sunny said, “What happened?
Are you scared of boxing?”
“I am not scared of anything.
Manu wiped her forehead and laughed nervously.
Motivating Manu, Sunny said
“Only a few girls get a chance to learn boxing. You are lucky.”
Manu nodded and thought, how
can girls box. “Sunny has gone mad,” she murmured.
“Manu don’t think twice. It’s
a golden chance and we both can learn the boxing techniques together,” Sunny
said.
Sunny also told Manu that he
has an extra form and if she wishes he will fill it for her.
Manu showed least interest and
went back home. “I will meet you tomorrow and let you know”.
Manu told her mom “Mom, Sunny
has joined boxing”.
“Oh! That’s great” Manu’s mom
replied. “So what have you decided?” she continued further.
“Mom I don’t know what to
choose. Sunny was saying he has an extra form for boxing,” Manu said.
Manu’s mother “It’s a good
option and you can accompany your best friend too.”
After this discussion with
her mom and Sunny, Manu finally concluded that she will join boxing.
On the second day, Manu smiled
and gave this news to Sunny. “Wow! I am happy that at least you changed your
mind and showed courage to choose boxing as your sport,” he said.
Manu didn’t say anything.
Next day, Manu and Sunny went for their first boxing session. Manu’s mom also accompanied
her for the first class.
Manu’s eyes were wide open
the next day she entered her class. The room was huge and had two boxing rings.
All students stood in a row.
Manu was surprised to know that out of 60 students in the class 54 were boys.
There were only 6 girls. The boxing coach was Mr. Singh. Though he was very
strict with the kids while teaching yet in the free time he shared his boxing
experiences with them.
“I am happy to see all of you
especially girls. You too have power to compete with boys,” said Mr. Singh welcoming
all the students on the first day.
Initially, Singh sir taught
some boxing lessons to the kids and instructed all of them to cover ten rounds
of a ground. Everybody ran enthusiastically but all Manu could think was to
rush home as soon as the class is over.
Somehow she managed to
complete the rounds and the bell rang. Mr. Singh said loudly, “Wind up. It’s
enough for today.”
Manu was tired and drank glucose.
“Mom, it’s very difficult. My whole body is paining. I think I can’t do it
more,” cried Manu.
“Manu, of course you
can do it. You have the potential. Today is the first day and your body will
take some time to adapt the changes,” her mother explained.
“Don’t worry I have the
solution for this” She continued. She boiled water and mixed a pinch of salt in
it and gave a massage to Manu.
After the massage, Manu felt
better.
The entire week the same
schedule continued. But as the weeks progressed, Manu realised that her body
ache completely vanished and she could easily exercise.
Manu also started developing
interest in her boxing lessons. Mr. Singh, also motivated her because she was
working hard to learn all the boxing techniques.
Mr. Singh, “Manu you are
talented. Keep going like this.”
Manu was happy for the first
time and her confidence level rose up. The final day of her boxing class soon
approached.
Mr. Singh announced the dates
of the state boxing championship. Everybody was busy filling the form for this
match but Manu was again thinking and puzzled. “Should I play for this match?
What will happen if I fail,” she murmured to herself.
Mr. Singh saw her in
this dilemma and told her, “What are you thinking? I have already given your
name for the girls’ championship.”
“You will be the only girl
playing from your school. I have seen you playing and I trust your ability,” he
added.
Manu practiced hard for the
next day’s match and after finishing her class she went home. Manu was happy
but somewhere in her mind she had a fear.
“Mom, tomorrow is the boxing
state championship and Singh sir has written my name in the girls team,” Manu
rushed and told this to her mother.
Manu’s mom jumped with
happiness, “Congratulations baby. All the best and always remember that never
give up. Keep fighting until you succeed.”
Next morning was a nervous
morning for Manu. She was very apprehensive and feared that she might fail. But
she got ready and reached the stadium on time with her parents.
But somehow as soon as she
entered the ring for her match she gained all her confidence. “I am all
prepared,” she murmured.
First two rounds were easy
and Manu sailed thorugh easily. The third round was a tough one. Her opponent
Bhanu was already a state level winner.
Manu gathered all her courage
and confident on her punches, she pulled Bhanu down and won the championship.
Manu couldn’t believe she had
won the state level championship. The applause from the audience was deafening.
But all she could hear was her mother’s voice.
“Manu you did it! You won my
baby!”
