Olympians Neeraj Chopra and PR Sreejesh (Goal Keeper) recently graced Amitabh Bachchan hosted quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati 13. The two went to win Rs 25 Lakh. As they attempted the questions they poured their heart out revealing the struggles they faced in the early stages of their life. PR Sreejesh who won bronze at the Olympics Tokyo 2020 revealed as he belong to a family of farmers, his father did not have enough funds to buy him a hockey kit.
Sreesjesh said, "It was a difficult relationship with father because I was very naughty and papa would often hit me. When I got the letter for sports selection, I was worried to talk to dad because dad would hit me and I was very scared. My parents asked what you will become in hockey and asked 'Hockey khelne se job milega kya?' Everybody suggested not to play the game but I asked them to give me 3 years to prove myself.”
Recalling the time when joined the camp, buying a goalkeeper’s pad was also too expensive for his family. He said, “I went for the camp and a goalkeeper's pad is expensive. We did not have money and we belong to farmers family. I called up papa and told him that I need pad and he asked me its cost. My father sent the pad and later when I spoke to mom, she said that he sold the cow we had and that was our only source of income.”
He further adds, “Whenever I feel I can't play the game, I think about this and keep working hard. My father had faith in me and that's why he sold the only source of income we had. When I went to the camp, I did not know Hindi or English language. My jersey was torn, I would tie 'rassi' to my pad and people would make fun of me. The co-players would call me out for it. I felt like quitting and would cry. I ignored them and thought about my parents' sacrifice and kept on working hard. I dedicated my medal to my father and I put the medal around daddy's neck after the win at Olympics.” ALSO READ: KBC 13 Shaandaar Shukravaar: Olympic Medallists Neeraj Chopra And PR Sreejesh Share What Inspired Them To Excel In Sports; Amitabh Bachchan Is Overwhelmed
Neeraj Chopra who won gold in Javelin throw was credited by Big B for popularizing this sport. Neeraj during the episode revealed how watching his senior play Javelin throw, got him interested in the sport. ALSO READ: Kaun Banega Crorepati 13 Shaandaar Shukravaar Episode: Olympic Medallists PR Sreejesh And Neeraj Chopra Share What It Takes To Win The Medal After Years
Image Source: Instagram/sreejesh88/amitabhbachchan