In a powerful display of resilience and hope, Harmilan Bains, a distinguished athlete known for her exceptional performances on the track, shared her inspiring journey at the 63rd Subroto Cup Junior Boys football tournament. Held at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi, the event celebrated not just the talent of young footballers but also hosted Bains as a guest of honor.
Bains, who dominated the track in 2021 by not losing a single individual race, faced a significant setback with a knee surgery that sidelined her for ten months. Despite this challenge, her comeback was remarkable, earning silver medals in both the women’s 800m and 1500m categories. Her story, however, is not just one of athletic prowess but also of personal struggle and triumph.
In a candid conversation with IANS, Bains revealed her battle with depression following her failure to qualify for the Olympics. At one point, she even contemplated suicide. Despite these dark moments, Bains has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, urging young athletes to find joy in their sport rather than succumbing to pressure.
“My message is to enjoy your sport and not be overwhelmed by stress,” Bains advised. “I was deeply stressed after missing my Olympic chance and faced severe depression. Thoughts of giving up crossed my mind. But I learned that it’s never too late to change your path and that you should always find joy in whatever you do.”
Bains also offered valuable advice to parents, encouraging them to support their children’s interests and passions. Her words resonated deeply with the audience at the Subroto Cup, an event renowned for its role in nurturing young football talent in India.
The tournament concluded with Manipur’s T.G English School clinching victory in a dramatic fashion. The team secured the 63rd Subroto Cup title by overcoming Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School 4-3 in a sudden death tie-breaker, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In her closing remarks, Bains lauded the Indian contingent’s stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. India surpassed its previous record of 19 medals from the Tokyo Paralympics, winning an impressive 29 medals and finishing 18th in the overall medal tally.
“I am thrilled for the para-athletes and proud of India’s historic performance,” Bains said. “It’s a significant achievement for our country and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes.”
As Bains left the event, her message of perseverance and joy in sports resonated strongly, reminding all present of the strength found in overcoming adversity and the importance of supporting each other in the pursuit of dreams.
